Except what is Common to Man

No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God [is] faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear [it].

-1 Corinthians 10:13

Something that really stood out in this verse was the very first portion: "No temptation has seized you EXCEPT WHAT IS COMMON TO MAN" (caps added). The struggles of my life are not unique--they may be a first for me, but they are not a first on this earth, and they are not a first to God: If God is strong enough to get people in the past through what I am struggling with, why can't I trust Him now?

Also, I think its such a comfort to know that my struggles are shared by other people. I've been attacked spiritually with the idea that I'm alone in a difficult situation. When I get into a spiritual tight-spot, one of the first things that will come to mind is, "You can't tell anyone--they won't understand". What happens then? I don't tell anyone--I become afraid to confess anything. When I don't talk to someone, I miss out on getting council, getting prayer, or even blessing someone else with the knowledge that they're not alone either!