Standing Up Under Temptation

Q

My question is whether there is a scripture about God taking us home earlier, snatching us from this world if we believe in Him but continue to live in sin? For instance would God shorten the life of a believer who couldn’t seem to escape from a lifestyle he or she knows is wrong?

A

In 1 Cor. 10:13 Paul wrote, “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.”

Some interpret this verse to mean that God will mercifully end our life if we’re tempted beyond our ability to resist it. But let’s take a closer look.

First it says the temptations in our life are no greater than what others have experienced. Then it gives us two promises that should offer even greater reassurance. The First is that God will not let us be tempted beyond what we can personally resist.

The second is that when we are tempted He will provide a way out so we can stand up under it. That means by relying on Him we will be able to endure and achieve victory over whatever temptation we face, not that we’ll be able to escape from it by dying in defeat.

Paul said, “I can do everything through Him who gives me strength” (Phil. 4:13)