1 Corinthians 10:12-13
So let him who thinks he stands be careful that he does not fall. No testing has overtaken you except ordinary testing. But God is faithful. He will not allow you to be tested beyond your ability, but when he tests you, he will also bring about the outcome that you are able to bear it.
Dear Heavenly Father,
What comfort this is, knowing that in our testing, you have control over these things. I have to admit I am not a big fan of the testing. So often, when my sinful flesh pushes me out of the comfort zone of my faith, and my actions are anything but Christian, I have to run back to you. Your word convicts me of my sins. Lord, forgive me.
Thank you for helping me see I am no better than anyone else; I am capable of sinning and committing the same sins as everyone else. So, I am in no position to judge them but give me the courage to offer your word to convict them of their sins. Then they can also turn to you to receive forgiveness for their sins and stand carefully in their faith.
Thank you for testing my faith, so I have to constantly run back to you. Thank you for sending your Son, who died to pay all my debt of sin. Thank you for sending your Spirit to help me recognize my sin. Give me strength to overcome my sinful nature. That I can love you above all other things and love my neighbor as myself. Lord, while I don’t like being tested, please continue to refine my faith through tests, so I cling to you. Amen.
Vicar Roger Emmons
As humans, we have to overcome our childish independent attitude, “I can do it myself.” And realize we can only do anything, and we do everything through God’s help.