Escape

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation He will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. 
I Corinthians 10:13

A new wave of entertainment is sweeping across the country–escape rooms. Maybe you’ve tried one. You and a few friends get locked in a room with an hour to solve riddles, figure out codes and find hidden locks, latches and switches so that you can “escape” before the time is up. The clock starts and instantly your blood pressure goes up! You’ve got to get out!

Life feels like an escape room sometimes. Our circumstances swirl around us. Work, family, money, relationships–it all seems like so much. The pressure often pushes us to respond wrongly. We say things we shouldn’t say. We think things we shouldn’t think. Sometimes, even when we do the right thing, we do it for the wrong reason. And, most of the time, it seems like we have no choice! “What else could I have done?” Paul tells us that God faithfully, graciously gives us a way out. We don’t have to sin! Every time you are tempted, there is a way to avoid making a sinful choice. It lasts but a moment, but it is there if you would take it. And don’t listen to Satan’s lie that no one else has it as bad as you, that no one else has to deal with all that you deal with. All temptations are common to mankind. You have the ability to say no to self and yes to Jesus. Every time. God will make sure you can escape.

-Pastor Mike