“No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13
Have you ever watched a movie where the hero falls into quicksand and a frantic rescue scene ensues? Hollywood does a great job creating a sense of fear and anxiety in the audience during these rescue scenes. Even though the people watching know the hero will be saved, the intensity of the moment still affects them, and they get caught up in the moment cheering for the heroes rescue. Most of these scenes end with someone throwing a rope or a big stick to the hero and dragging them to safety.
What most of the people watching the movie don’t know, is that in real life, people rarely die in quicksand. Quicksand itself is harmless, but the limitation of movement the quicksand creates, causes the person who falls into it, to become fearful. This creates a sense of urgency and they flail around trying to escape, which only causes them to sink deeper. Quicksand is usually only a few inches or a few feet deep, and with the proper knowledge, a person caught in quicksand, can get themselves free fairly easily. But the person without knowledge can harm themselves and become dehydrated, resulting in injury or death.
Temptation is the same way. By itself it is harmless, but the limitation of understanding about how to escape it, causes people to react in a similar way as the inexperienced person who falls into quicksand. They become anxious and nervous and they flail around in the thought of the temptation, until they find themselves sinking deeper into it. Pretty soon they find themselves stuck and unable to get free. When their human efforts of trying to escape fail them, and they act on the temptation, they end up injuring themselves or others.
The Scriptures provide wisdom and understanding on how to easily escape from a temptation, but few people take the time to read them. The voice of the Holy Spirit also provides wisdom and understanding but most people don’t take the time to listen. Other people who have experienced the same temptations can provide wisdom and understanding, but few people seek their advice. I know that sometimes temptations seem unbearable but this Scripture ensures us that God gives us the strength to bear it, until we have been freed from it.
In order to avoid being caught in a temptation it is important to seek wisdom and understanding in regards to temptation, before you encounter one. People living in regions where quicksand is present know how to identify it in order to avoid it. And if they accidentally fall into it, they know what actions to take in order to escape unharmed. A Christian needs to approach temptations in the same way. They need to know the Word of God, be sensitive to the voice of the Holy Spirit, and seek wise counsel from other Christians, so they are equipped to deal with temptation. This is the only way to avoid being caught in a temptation, or to know how to quickly escape if you accidentally find yourself in the midst of one.
The Bible says that God’s people perish for the lack of knowledge. Notice that it doesn’t say they perish because of temptation. So it is up to each of us to gain the knowledge that will keep our lives, our marriages, our relationships, our health, our finances, etc. from perishing! Spend time in the classroom of wisdom and understanding and you will find yourself being equipped to avoid or escape any temptation that comes your way.
Prayer: I praise you for giving me wisdom and understanding when I ask for it. I praise you for making a way of escape for me when I find myself facing temptation. Today I believe by faith that I can avoid being caught in temptation as I gain more understanding from your Word, your Spirit, and the people you have placed in my life. I believe by faith that as I wait on you my strength will be renewed and I will be able to avoid temptation or to stand up under it, until I am set free from its snare. I praise you for being faithful and for loving me unconditionally. Amen.
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