READING: 1 Corinthians 8-12
We are not alone when we’re tempted to sin. No matter how intense the temptation might be, no tempting from the enemy is stronger than the God who is with us. He who calls us to obedience always provides us a way of escape when temptation comes. In fact, He makes available all we need to find a way out without crossing the line into sin.
Our problem, I think, is that we don’t consider the way out when we’re caught in the fire of temptation. Our focus is elsewhere—often on the lure of whatever temporary pleasure the devil and the world offer us—so we don’t think about 1 Corinthians 10:13 until after we fall. We retroactively turn to a text that would have saved us anguish and conviction had we paid attention to it first.
It’s not hard, however, to consider possible ways of escape. Refuse to put myself in the place of temptation in the first place. Immediately turn to prayer when temptation hits; that is, submit to God. RUN toward Him and away from the temptation. Say “yes” to God by my actions, and say “no” to the devil in the same way. The bottom line is this: the best escape from temptation is obedience.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: Do you genuinely want a way out of the sins that remain in your life?
PRAYER: “God, remind me today to run to You when temptation comes.”
TOMORROW’S READING: 1 Corinthians 13-16