The scope of this promise is stunning. No matter what we may face, our circumstances are not unique. Rather, they are common. Secondly, and more importantly, there is no temptation that we must succumb to-none-for which God will not provide a way out. God will always provide a way out-a way of life.
Abortion is a temptation. A temptation that often appears to have no way of escape. Women don’t undergo abortion because (contrary to popular pro-choice myth) they are making wise and empowered decisions. In fact, many women undergo abortion precisely because they don’t really believe that 1 Corinthians 10:13 is true, sometimes because they don’t know the One behind the promise. Our call, therefore, is to make this promise-and this God-plain for a young woman faced with a future that seems nothing but hopeless. How do we make that plain? As with everything, in word and in deed. In word that calls a woman to believe, despite appearances, that the Lord has not cast her off, but loves her and will make a better way, for both her and her baby. And in deed in doing whatever we can to make things work for her. A church should be ready, in a moment (meaning that we are prepared beforehand), to be able to assist with many of the obstacles that seem so insurmountable: transportation, financial assistance, a home, childcare, and the like. And, sometimes most importantly, Christian community that is genuinely glad to have her fellowship. This is what it means to be the hands and feet of Jesus, to “bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Gal. 6:2). God does not intend for women in difficulty to walk alone.
This promise reminds me of another: “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose” (Rom. 8:28). Paul here does not claim that all things are good, but that God works all things together for the good for those who love Him.