The Great Escape
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.
1 Corinthians 10:13
Could there be a greater love than to give those whom you love perfect freedom? You know, freedom to love or hate, to embrace or reject. It’s been said that love is free or it isn’t love. Love that isn’t free is really just another form of slavery. We can’t, or rather shouldn’t force people to love us, and you can be sure God doesn’t either.
Such a perfect love leaves us open to many dangers. One of those dangers is that it hurts when those we love don’t love us in return. Still, I think Lord Tennyson was right when he said, “Tis better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all.” That’s our Heavenly Father’s position. He to the risk of creating us knowing many wouldn’t love Him back – and I’m so glad He did.
But, the hurt of lost love isn’t our greatest danger. Perhaps the greatest danger we face is the power of temptation. The devil is a master of deception and can make any sinful activity look appealing. What he doesn’t show is the consequences of those sins. Let’s face it, sin can look fun or no one would want to do it. But, God doesn’t leave us with no chance of overcoming the devil’s wily schemes. He always there with a great escape.
In His great love God lets loose a flood of mercy to protect us when we’re tempted. His waves of mercy come to us as perfect escape hatches when the temptations of life are about to overwhelm us. We can rest in knowing He’s promised us a way out of every temptation. When you’re tempted, always keep a lookout for God’s escape hatches; they’re as close as the mention of His name.
Grace and Peace,
+Pastor Brad
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for your great love and mercy that never lets us go. You’re always there to help us out of every temptation if we will only call upon your holy name. Amen.
Image credit: http://gameswalls.com/great-escape
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