God's Way of Escape
Scripture Reading — 1 Corinthians 10:12-13
When you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.
1 Corinthians 10:13
While stationed in Germany with the U.S. Army, I had the dubious distinction of being the driver of a 50-ton army tank. One of the interesting features of those tanks was an escape hatch underneath the driver’s seat. In case of an enemy attack, you simply pulled a lever, the hatch would drop, and hopefully you might escape with your life.
In today’s verses the apostle Paul talks about an escape route—not from an army tank, but from a far greater danger: the danger of temptation. Says Paul, “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to us all. And God is faithful … When you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”
Joseph ran away from his master’s wife when he was tempted (Genesis 39:11-12). An open door was his escape hatch. David could have looked away or walked away when he saw Bathsheba bathing (2 Samuel 11:1-5). Peter could have refused to be intimidated when he denied his Lord (Matthew 26:69-75).
In the power of the Holy Spirit we have the strength to stand firm. We can say no, run for our lives, or refuse to give in. God is faithful. He always provides a way of escape. It’s up to us to use the escape hatch God promises to provide!
Lord our God, give us the strength to say no to the temptations we face, and help us to see the way of escape you provide. In Jesus’ name we ask this. Amen.
About the author — Arthur J. Schoonveld
Rev. Art Schoonveld is a retired minister in the Christian Reformed Church. Before retiring in 2001, he served churches in California, Illinois, and Michigan. Since his retirement he has worked part-time for the denomination and has served as an interim pastor. Art and his wife, Anita, have four children and nine grandchildren.
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