Handling Life's Adversities

There are two verses I find helpful in handling the hardships and temptations of life. The first is:

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
[Romans 8 : 28  NIV]

This verse is a great comfort and assurance for those who trust God in all areas of their lives.

We mentioned it in the previous post called "Go With the Flow - with Jesus".
So we'll look at the second verse.

No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. 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 endure it.
[1 Corinthians 10 : 13  NIV]

The first part of this verse assures us that God doesn't try to break us down, but to build us up.
Consequently our temptations are custom-designed for us, God ensuring that they never push us too far in doing their job in making us stronger.

But what about the second part of the verse?
Is it your experience that God always makes a way for you to escape your hardships?
That's not mine.

Nor does this part sound logical.
How can an 'escape' or a 'way out' enable us to endure something?

So I wonder if there is a better English translation of the Greek that is usually translated 'an escape' or 'a way out' so that it more closely matches our experience - and is more logical?

The Greek word involved is 'ékbasis' which means 'moving out from and to an outcome'.
It is used only once more in the Bible - in Hebrews 13 : 7.

Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. [NIV]

'ékbasis' is here translated as 'outcome' - not a way out or moving out, but an outcome.

So let's use this translation, and tidy up the structure of the sentence a bit, in the second part of our Corinthians verse.

But when you are tempted, he will a provide an outcome also, so that you can endure it.

If we can trust that God has provided a custom-designed outcome for our circumstances, then we can endure it, even eagerly submit to it, as we look forward to seeing that outcome come to pass.

That's peace in adversity.
Blessings, Barry