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. 1 Corinthians 10:13 (New American Standard Bible)

Nothing is more discouraging or debilitating than a pull in your thoughts or emotions that would seek to take you by the hand and lead you away from a life of faith and joy. Joyce Meyer had it right with the title of her book The Battlefield of the Mind. It is definitely a battlefield. It is also a war zone of the soul. Many fight a silent battle and feel they are losing every time. They are all too familiar with thoughts that not only over whelm them but lead them into black holes of emptiness. It is a place far removed from Jesus’ words that spoke of the abundant life that He would make available to His followers. He wants us to know that it doesn’t have to be like this. None of us have to continue to be casualties of our thoughts that are self imposed or enemy induced. None of us!

It often takes time to realize we are living below God’s standard and desire for our life. Victory and freedom seems out of reach because we are so convinced we just can’t win against the onslaughts of our own mind games. Truth that is meant to set us free often seems ineffective. What is meant to empower us simply adds guilt and condemnation to our daily walk, until we reach a point where we decide enough is enough. Something rises up in us that wants a way out and a walk of change. The pain of living in defeat is finally overcome by the desire to have victory.

Such has been my experience. Many have been the times I have sat in a room full of people and become consumed with thoughts of insignificance, being invisible, not mattering to anyone, and feeling left out of conversations and life. None of those things were true, simply perceptions and feelings driven by emotional needs aching to be met. The temptation to stay in such a pit of darkness has often won out. In desperation, I asked God for help after admitting I could not free myself. His way of escape was clear. His words to me? “When you are tempted to avoid eye contact with others, look them in the eye. When you are tempted to sit in silence and dejection, take part in the conversations. When you are tempted to isolate yourself, enter into the life that is surrounding you.” Does it work? Absolutely! It brings me out of a prison of distance and places me into the joy and blessing of fellowship. This is new for me and I am thrilled by the possibilities it possesses.

Father, how You have longed to show me the way of escape. Forgive me for the countless times I closed my eyes, ears, and heart to Your ways. Now that You have shown me what to do, help me to do it. I trust You and I love You. Amen.

What a Faithful God - Robert Critchley
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLEgyKpzyUw&feature=related

Fixing my eyes on Jesus, the Author and Finisher of my faith!