A Christian Escape Room
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Have you heard of Escape Rooms? According to Dictionary.com, an escape room is a game in which people are locked in a room and must solve a series of puzzles, decipher clues, and race against the clock to find their way out. This form of entertainment has become quite popular, with even Christian-themed escape rooms available to play.
I bet you didn't know that the Apostle Paul wrote about an escape room of sorts too!
Paul reminded the believers in Corinth about Israel's history. God had delivered their ancestors from slavery in Egypt, provided for them in the wilderness, and faithfully cared for them. Yet despite all God had done, many of them rebelled against Him. Their failures serve as a warning for us today.
Paul then gave the Corinthians God's escape plan:
"No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way of escape, so that you can stand up under it" (1 Corinthians 10:13).
This is one of the most misunderstood promises in the Bible. People often quote it as, "God won't give you more than you can bear." But that is not what Paul is saying. In fact, God often allows us to face circumstances that are beyond our strength so that we learn to depend on Him. The promise here concerns temptation: God will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we can bear without also providing a way to escape.What might that escape look like?
First, keep your eyes fixed on Christ, the Rock of our faith. He is the Author and Perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2).
Second, recognize your weakness. Don't linger around temptation, convincing yourself that you can handle it on your own. You cannot. We are tempted in areas where we are vulnerable and where sin appeals to us.
Third, flee! Get out now. God promises to provide a way of escape, but we must take it. The escape route may look different in every situation, but the promise remains the same: God is faithful and will provide a way out.
That is why Paul concludes with these simple words:
"Therefore, my dear friends, flee from idolatry" (1 Corinthians 10:14).
Anything that takes God's rightful place in our hearts becomes an idol. When temptation comes, don't stand and negotiate with it. Take God's escape route and run toward Christ.
Let's pray:
Dear God, thank You for Your faithfulness and for Your promise to provide a way of escape when we are tempted. Help us to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, recognize our weaknesses, and quickly turn away from anything that draws us away from You. Give us the wisdom and courage to take the escape route You provide. We trust You and thank You for Your grace. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Copyright 2024 S.A. Keith
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