God’s escape route

These things happened to them as examples for us. They were written down to warn us who live at the end of the age. If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall. The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure. 1 Corinthians 10:11-13

God promised to keep and protect His children against the onslaught of the enemy. The Holy Spirit is in the lives of every believer so we will walk in His ways and not gratify the desires of the flesh. It is God that will provide us desires that will please Him so we will not give in to our sinful desires for they are contrary to who we are now for we are called to follow Him. “The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires” (Galatians 5:17). From the text, the apostle Paul wanted Christians in Corinth to learn from the examples written in the Old Testament for they will provide valuable lessons on how God leads His children. David was a good example of the weakness of human strength to face temptations. He knew that God gave him several opportunities to run away from temptation yet in the idleness of his mind, the enemy corrupted his mind that eventually led him to desire Bathsheba. Later on, after he learned from his sin and the effect of it in his well-being and his relationship with God, he asked God to forgive him and to restore him. “Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me” (Psalm 51:10). Relying on our own strength when facing temptation will not always be enough. This is what happened to David. We cannot be so naive and have self confidence that we could stand up against the enemy. Just like David, we could fall flat easily as anyone else. Instead, God commands us to turn to Him and seek His escape route. “So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil” (James 4:7). Consider the company you keep and the places you go. What looks to be harmless could be a trap set by the enemy to trip you so you will give in to temptation. “Let’s feast and drink, for tomorrow we die!” Don’t be fooled by those who say such things, for “bad company corrupts good character”” (1 Corinthians 15:32-33). As promised by God, when moment of temptation comes, He is faithful and He will provide an escape route. Don’t ignore God’s leading so it will prevent you from doing what you will regret in the end. Ask the Lord to help you discern temptations and let Him fill your mind with His word so you can take His way that leads to victory.

Blessings,

Noel De Guzman

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