“If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall.”
We can't get comfortable and take our eyes off the prize, eternal life, because Jesus came, died, and was resurrected for us so we could choose life. I love the fact that we are given all we need from God to live this life with joy and peace even when it is hard and seems too difficult. The more we seek wisdom from His word the more wisdom we will get, but that means nothing if we choose not to listen. The most incredible thing is that we have the Holy Spirit living in us, and leading us to all truth. He even prays for us when we don't know how to pray, so we are never alone but we do have a choice. In verse 13 it show us why we keep seeking and keep listening and doing what we see from the Lord. “The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, He will show you a way out so that you can endure.”
Why not be ready at all times? Pastor Casey Treat shared this while preaching at The Rock and it is important for us to remember; "We need a Relationship with the Holy Spirit - because the Holy Spirit leads us in our weakness." We can't just think we are strong because then we let our guards down, draw close to God and our guard will be strong. Look what it says in James chapter 4 verse 8, “Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.”
We can't let the world confuse us or even make us over confident so we loose our passion to seek Him for everything. I want you to look at these next verses in 1 Corinthians chapter 10 and remember the importance of staying strong. Verses 23-24 which say, “You say, “I am allowed to do anything” —but not everything is good for you. You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is beneficial. Don’t be concerned for your own good but for the good of others.” When we focus on God and invite Jesus in our lives we become strong and that strength leads us to grow and that growth helps us see others and reach people that are struggling and might not even know Jesus. This is what we are called to do; share the Good News and live like Christ, let's keep focused and keep being difference makers. Amen