Way Of Escape

Given June 12, 2010

I attend a men’s prayer breakfast at a church of a friend each month and on my way to it this morning, God gave me this revelation.  Each one of us is tempted probably every day to do, say, think, or feel something that is contrary to God’s plan for us.  I find the more I strive to be like Jesus, the more temptations the devil will throw out in my way to distract me.  I’ve heard Joyce Meyer say, “New level, new devil.” and I know it’s true.  So I was asking God when these temptations were going to be over.  I was immediately reminded of the scripture in 1 Corinthians 10:13, “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”  So I said, “Thank you God.  Anything I face, I’ll be able to bear and you’ll give me a way of escape from it.  But…what’s the way of escape?”  This is what I saw:

I was standing there in front of two doors, one labeled SIN and the other RIGHTEOUSNESS.  A little demonic creature was there in front of me trying to talk me into choosing the SIN door which was wide open.  The RIGHTEOUSNESS door was closed with some “stuff” in the way that would have to be removed to gain access.  I thought, “This SIN door looks pretty good and it’s real easy to go into but it will take some work and effort to get into RIGHTEOUSNESS.”  “So, Lord, where is the way of escape here?”  He said, “The way of escape is your CHOICE.”  Wow!   The way for me to escape from the temptation set before me is my free will and ability to choose.  If you think of it, with every temptation, we have a choice; do it or not, go there or not, think it or not, yield or not.  But remember, the way to SIN is easy and the way to RIGHTEOUSNESS is not, “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”  Matthew 7:13-14.

I takes some effort to choose the right way when tempted but, I’ll tell you, it is worth it.  The next time you’re tempted, remember this, your way of escape is your choice.  Choose RIGHTEOUSNESS. 

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