FINDING the ESCAPE HATCH
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 you are able; I Cor.10:13
Imagine for a minute that you are standing in front of your home. You see a stranger coming up your street. He’s dressed all in black, and as he walks in your direction, you notice that he’s checking mailboxes, and house numbers. You realize that this figure is here to do you harm, so you duck behind some bushes. As soon as the stranger finds your address, he steps up to your door and knocks.
As you watch, the door opens, and you see something remarkable. The person answering the door is Jesus.
The stranger hesitates. “Excuse me, but isn’t this the home of ———?” And he speaks your name.
Jesus replies,”As a matter of fact, it is. But my friend has asked me to guard the door.”
The Stranger tenses, grinds his teeth, and seems to consider forcing his way in. Then he looks down at the hand on the knob. He sees the nail scars. He glances up at Jesus’ head, and the marks left by the thorns.
And the strangers scowls as he turns away……
I’ve described a defensive strategy used by Martin Luther, the great reformer of the 16th century, when he faced temptations of all kinds. On the front lines of a spiritual awakening that was shaking in the world, Luther felt himself under constant attack. His story of Jesus answering the door of his home when temptations came calling had a specific purpose. It was his way of meditating on a powerful truth about Christ power to help us escape temptation: “For in that He himself has suffered, being tempted, he is able to aid those who are tempted” (Hebrews 2:18.)
Did you notice the wonderful escape clause in today’s verse? In his faithfulness, God pledges to not allow any temptation to push you beyond your ability to resist. Because “with the temptation” will be provided “the way of escape” (I Corinthians 10:13) Note that the Bible doesn’t say “a way”.
Here’s how I put that truth to work in my life. If I’m really tempted to sin, I say aloud: “this temptation to (name the sin) is not too strong for me, because my Father has limited it to what I am able to cope with right this minute!”
Then I add: “And the truth of it is, there is a way out of this temptation right this very minute, and God will not allow it to overpower me.”
I can assure you that temptations don’t like to be caught in the glare of that much truth! When you bring them out into the open by speaking their name and standing on His promises, they run back into the dark, whimpering. Then you see these allurements for what they really are – – puny, pathetic devices sent to obstruct and damage.
Do you understand now that God will help you in temptation? More than help you – – protect you from being tempted beyond strength to resist? More than protect you – – open the way for you to escape?
It’s all true! You won’t need to be afraid again, but then, neither will you be able to make excuses again. Jesus Christ has already faced this temptation for you. And he has already made your way of escape.
My Jabez Journal: In what challenging circumstances have I been most successful at avoiding temptation? What principles can I identify from these experiences that I could apply in areas where I’m still struggling?
The Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations. 2 Peter 2:9
==============The Prayer of Jabez==========================================
This chapter is the answer to the problems with our temptations that we face every day. As I study, read or listen to messages, many times I am reminded of commitments that I have made to the Lord about my own personal life. I know I’ve made decisions like committing to always be kind to people that I meet, to be a loving Christian that tries to love my neighbor as my self. This point was made yesterday by our pastor in his message. He was giving the example of loving the Lord your God with all your heart and then to love our neighbor as our self! That is definitely a hard one to follow. Most people live in areas that are filled with apartments, condos cul-de-sacs most of us do not even know who our next-door neighbors are. We don’t even know their names and have never visited them to welcome them to the neighborhood or tell them about Jesus. That is to our shame because that was the commandment that Jesus gave to as he left earth and went home to be with his father.
Let’s try to be more involved with our close neighbors. Invite them to your church and invite them to lunch at your home or take them to a restaurant after the church service. You will be surprised at how good this makes you feel inside when you do something that you know pleases the lord, and could possibly lead to that person coming to Christ as his Savior. Let’s pray for each other in that area of service!
God bless you all and thank you for taking the time to read the newsletter each week.
This was taken at the Ark when part of the family went in October. It depicts, I’m sure how it must have been like during the flood They had 120 years to repent while Noah built the Ark. Makes me think of the upcoming Rapture!!