The Doorpost: You must get out of the boat

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 10:13

I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:13

First Corinthians 10:13 is a familiar verse to many Christians. We frequently memorize it so it will always be with us as a promise of God’s deliverance from sin. But it is important to remember that one sin God provides protection for is the sin of unbelief.

How many of us sometimes see a challenging opportunity to witness or serve God in some other way, and respond with, “I can’t. I can’t think that fast. I can’t understand. I can’t come up with the right words. I can’t stand to have everyone look at me. I can’t stand the possibility of embarrassment or failure.”

The only time “can’t” should be in the vocabulary of a Christian is when we’re talking about something God doesn’t want us to do. But if He does want us to do something, we can do it when we trust in Him.

This doesn’t mean obeying God will be easy. Until Peter stepped out of the boat, he couldn’t experience walking on the water (Matthew 14:29). In the same way, we won’t be able to see God work through us in the way He wants to until we step out in faith. But when we seek to understand what He wants us to do, and then prayerfully step “out of the boat,” He will provide the strength we need to do things we think we can’t do.