Why Tempt Fate?

Daily Reading:  1 Corinthians 10

Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. 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.  (1 Corinthians 10.12-13)

Devotional Thought: In 1 Corinthians 10, the Apostle Paul returned to a concern he had discussed earlier: the Corinthian’s risky attitude toward eating in idol temples.  He referred to events in Israel’s history which had brought the judgment of God upon the people of God.  Paul made the point that they had presumed upon the grace of God only to find out that God would not look the other way.  Paul then made the stern warning to the Corinthians: "If you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!" (NIV)

Yes, that is an ominous warning, but Paul hurried on to say that they – and we – don't have to fall!  There is grace available for each one of us to stand firm under fire, to stay true in trial.  God’s holy character and fierce love prevent him from ever allowing us to absorb a fatal blow.  It may seem like it to us at times.  But, remember Job - no matter how hard life gets, no matter how fierce the storm, we can make it.  We do, however, have to make our own decisions about how we will react in the face of temptation.  He does not deliver us from temptation, but he delivers us through temptation and answers the prayer "Deliver us from evil."

If you are facing temptations and trials, storms and suffering, take heart!  God is with you.  But you must be wise.  As he says at the end of the chapter, do not subject yourself to circumstances that would cause you or another to fall.  Why tempt fate?

Prayer: Lord, there are many things about which I may think: "I can handle that..."  But help me to take heed and avoid temptation rather than to flirt with it.  Help me not to tempt fate.  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 110:1-4

1 The LORD says to my lord:“Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.”

2 The LORD will extend your mighty scepter from Zion, saying, “Rule in the midst of your enemies!”

3 Your troops will be willing on your day of battle. Arrayed in holy splendor, your young men will come to you like dew from the morning’s womb.

4 The LORD has sworn and will not change his mind: “You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.”