Escape

Escape

0:00

“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it,” I Corinthians 10:13, NIV.

As I walked our church, I noticed a traffic sign on my left, “Wrong Way.” Since I was walking, I had time to look to my right as well—and there a staircase loomed leading towards the cross that stands above our church, like a resilient soldier. And I smiled. A great reminder of how God gives us subtle and at times not so subtle reminders to heed His word. Like a Wrong Way sign.

He knows there are temptations all around us: to want what we do not have, to covet lifestyles that are not our own, to envy the arrogant with their easy life, to desire self-promotion or the praise of others, and so on. And He provides a way of escape, like a staircase leading to the cross.

The writer of Psalm 73 penned many of the same sentiments that we complain about, too. It’s not fair that those who don’t fear God play and laugh while we are suffering. Then he remembers the destiny of those who do not fear and obey God—

“Those who are far from you will perish; you destroy all who are unfaithful to you. But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds,” Psalm 73‬:‭27‬-‭28‬, ‭NIV‬‬.

Would you substitute momentary pleasures for eternal victories?

When we choose God’s way, it isn’t always easy. There will be hardships and temptations. But we can trust God for a way out. Sometimes our way of escape from a temptation is simply to turn away from it. Other times it’s to recognize, confess, and remember who God is to us. He guides us with unfailing love, for our best, Psalm 32:8.

“Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I. “If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk, and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday. The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail,”

Isaiah‬ ‭58‬:‭9‬-‭11‬, NIV‬‬.

Father,

Living in Southern California feels like a sun-scorched land at times, yet this is where You have placed me, and I thank You for that. For you have always met my needs, as promised. When I think You haven’t, I realize it was a want, not a need.

You are always faithful, kind and good to Your children.

Help us to recognize You in the offering and be thankful.

I pray for those who are in the midst of their personal struggles. It’s so difficult raising one’s head off the pillow to face a day of potential dread. Cover these Your children with Your grace, love and hope. Keep them determined and focused on Your path of right doing. If it will glorify Your name, ease their hardships just a bit.

Yet, Your will be done—after all You are creating good things in them and for them. It’s just painful watching the process.

We call You LORD, for You are worthy.

We call You King Jesus, for You have earned that title.

We call You Creator God—for You know everything and desire the best for us.

Help us to trust You fully in all things—the good and the not so good.

Amen.