Many times in life when I face difficulty I feel alone and isolated. Selfishly, I feel that no one has ever experienced what I'm going through--or really knows how I feel.

But most of our pain is universal, or at least, common to many other people who have lived through the generations. And not only our pain is common, but also our temptations. Many people are tempted by sexual desires and symbols in our culture. Many get caught up in the trap of wanting more and needing more money. Many are guilty of being self-centered and putting others down to elevate themselves.

We are also guilty of being tempted to follow other gods, as the Israelites were in the desert in Moses' time. Their punishment serves as a warning to us today, and Paul leaves us with a special promise--a verse worth committing to memory: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. (verse 13, NIV)