1 Corinthians 10:13  No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation He will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

God wants an actual relationship with us, not a false relationship, not half a relationship, and not a pretend version of relationship. Because God values relationships with us so highly, He presents His actual self to us in His Word, rather than a version of Him that may be more comfortable and more palatable to handle. Temptation, God's anger, how they interact, and our sinner/saint reality can be confusing and can lead us to despair. Satan likes to kick us while we're down and put lies in our ears about who we are and who God is. Satan whispers, "God doesn't want you. God doesn't want to hear your sin. You should despair, fall into shame."

The Word in our lives saves us from despair, shame and vice. The Word tells us who God is and all that He has done for us. We cling to God's Word not to avoid temptation, but to walk through temptation with Christ before us and beside us, the sword of the Spirit valiantly swinging, the helmet of salvation firm on our heads, our feet shod with God's peace even when we have a hard time finding exact answers to our questions.

Temptation is common. It will come to us. But our triune God is anything but common, and we trust that His promises are better, brighter, and stronger than anything Satan can toss our way. To Him be glory forever. He saves us!
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