A Way of Escape

"God is faithful,who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it."

1 Cor. 10:13



I used to interpret this verse wrong. I didn't really want to comprehend the words, "with the temptation", nor the words,"so that you will be able to endure it". I liked to dwell on this part ..."who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able". My idea was, at the point when I couldn't stand my trial any longer, God would surely bring me immediate calm waters in the midst of every storm. Though I am aware God is able to do so and sometimes does, He has been teaching me how to take hold of another part of this verse..."will provide a way of escape". I think of the people with addictions. They are looking for a way of escape. We are sure to let them know they have no escape in things like drugs and alcohol. Indeed, we are right to do so. They desparately need to know, however, there is an escape. It is the holy dwelling places of the Most High; this is the Christian's escape. It is our sanctuary, a resting place in a world that makes no sense, and is full of hurt and pain. Here in the sanctuary, we hide ourselves in the loving imbrace of He who made us, died, and rose again for us. He lives for the moments that we draw near to His side, and the one final moment when He will rescue us for good.

If we are going to portray a picture of this sanctuary (which we all need), to those who desparately see their need for an escape, we have to imbrace the parts of the verse in 1 Cor. 10:13 that at first seem repulsive. The part about "with the temptation" and the part about enduring in it. If we have not experienced the great miracle of God to keep us in the storm, how can we ever be sure that God can keep those with the worst dependencies. I don't think we can be very convincing if we are not certain ourselves first and foremost of the power of God in and through our own impossible situations.

God, in His mercy, is making me strong through the power of utter dependency upon Him. His all encompassing love, His all encompassing approval based on His own shed blood, His all encompassing wisdom for the moment at hand, His all encompassing peace, rest, and security, provide for me a place of escape. I find all of these things in my sanctuary with the Lord. If you want to give it a romantic twist, you might call it our "secret get-away". Here I find myself more than a conquerer in the midst of these common temptations: anger, unforgiveness, division, self-focus, self-pity, and a multitude of other pitfalls.

We cannot escape trouble on this earth. We will all face at one point or another times that are overwhelming and impossible. The best books won't help us, counselling won't help us, friends and family will want to, but won't be able to help us. Our sanctuary will be the only place to fly, and that Someone there waiting for us is a very present help in times of trouble.

"there is a stream that makes glad the city of God, the holy dwelling places of the Most High. God is in the midst of her, she will not be moved. God will help her when morning dawns...Cease striving and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." Psalm 46