"There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." 1 Corinthians 10:13
Yesterday we talked about God always making a way of escape when we are in a time of temptation, and that it is up to us to take that way. Often, we struggle with that "way" because it is not always obvious to us. It isn't like there will be a "physical door" standing in front of us with a bright red "Exit" sign over it. It would be easier to recognize it if it were.
So what does the "way of escape" look like? Let me list a few ways.
The word of God will be a way that He has made to escape the temptation. Have you ever been in a time of temptation or great trial and a scripture will come to mind? That scripture is your way of escape-- obey what it says.
Daniel's way of escape when the king's meat was set before him was the "purposing in his heart". Daniel had purposed in his heart long before he reached the temptation, that he would remain obedient to the commands of the Lord regardless of what faced him. That settled heart and mind kept him from "floundering" and being "double-minded" when the time of testing did come.
Joseph's way of escape when being tempted to sin by Potaphar's wife was found in his statement to her- "How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?" (Genesis 39:9b) Joseph understood that when you yield to something that is contrary to God's word that it is "sin". The sin issue was settled in his mind and so he didn't allow the questions as to whether it was right or wrong tempt him to do the wrong thing.
Sometimes the way of escape comes through a still, small voice that you hear in the depth of your being and you know that it is your answer- so you follow it.
Another way is through prayer- prayer will bring God in the middle of your temptation and He will give you the strength to resist it. Also fasting. Some days the Lord will impress on me to fast. I have to be honest, I don't always yield as I should. But I have noticed that on the days when I don't, I eat more than I should. I have come to realize that often if I would fast when I feel impressed to, it was my way of escape from giving into my fleshly appetite.
These are a few ways that God opens a door for us to escape. We need to recognize what those ways are and give heed to them.
Have a great day. There are many different ways that the Lord can use to give us a way of escape.
For further reading:
Genesis 39:8-10
Daniel 1:8
James 1:8
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Coffee Break is a morning devotional written by Lorraine Ezell
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