The Way of Escape

No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it. I Corinthians 10:13 (New American Standard Bible)

I marvel at the unique ways God chooses to act on our behalf. He is not tied into any one system or limited in His options. The temptations that may come our way in any given day are varied and so are His means of escape. The temptation is not always toward blatant sin and it is times when it is not that we must be even more careful to guard our hearts and minds. Such was the case this past week when I was considering doing something that I questioned whether or not I should actually do. Twice I was faced with a temptation that seemed innocent enough and yet something in me wasn’t sure it was the right thing to do. What made it even more unsettling was that at one time both were beneficial to my walk with God. The more I pondered it the more I realized the necessity to pray about it…so I did.

I asked God to simply show me the source of the temptation. He did that but also showed me something else that helped put things into perspective. He let me see that the enemy of my soul was behind it all and was intent on tripping me up in an area God was touching in my life. His desire was to get me distracted and defeated. Then God clearly showed me what would happen if I gave in to the temptation. For the first one, He let me know if I acted upon my urges the results would be the exact opposite of what I was hoping for. For the second temptation He let me know I would not receive the same benefit I had once enjoyed. Once I saw the consequences, the temptation lost its appeal and pull. His revelation to me had become my way of escape. I have learned a whole new approach to walking in victory.

God is in our corner when it comes to living out the Christian life. He knows us thoroughly. He will do whatever it takes to aid us in our walk with Him. While choices abound we must be willing to ask ourselves some tough questions. Will what I am thinking of doing benefit and strengthen me spiritually? Will it help or hinder my growth? Will it showcase God’s work in my life? Will the end result be worthwhile? If the answer to any of these questions is no then I must say no to the thought. In the long run I will be glad I did.

Father, I need Your wisdom and counsel each step of the way. You know the beginning and ending of every action. Help me always choose Your will and Your way. Amen.