A Way of Escape

In my last blog, I talked about God's grace. How I have sensed and experienced His grace in my life in the midst of my struggles and failures. This week, I decided to focus on what do I do when I'm in the middle of my struggles? How do I overcome these battles that I face and how do I not fall flat on my face every single time? I believe God gives a way out. A way of escape. Why do I believe that? Because His Word says so. in I Corinthians 10:13.."No temptation has overtaken you, except what is common to man, and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide a way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it." If you read my blog often, you know I love the Message version of the Bible. I like it because it puts things so simply. It's version of this verse is great. "No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he will never let you be pushed past your limit, he'll always be there to help you come through it." That's pretty encouraging. He's not gonna let me be pushed past the limit of where I can say no. I listened to a great podcast this morning and the speaker said something of this sort... What are we? animals? Animals can't control what they do. They are controlled by their instincts. But God has given us brains. He has given us souls. He has given us consciences. ..... so should we assume we can't control what we do? I think not! I think God has created us as complex beings. Beings that are absolutely able to stand up against temptation. We are absolutely able to say no to what is wrong and to say yes to what is right. He has given us a way of escape and it is my prayer daily that I recognize those ways of escape and that I don't ignore them but run towards the escape as fast as I can. So that I can live a Godly life. A life that is pleasing to Him. I'm so thankful that He provides a way out. He doesn't just leave us in the pit of sin to wallow there. He gives us His Holy Spirit to convict and guide and if we are keeping our lives submitted to His guidance we will be able to recognize the escape routes He provides so mercifully.