JMD Devotional 209 1 Corinthians 10:12,13 The Great Escape

Therefore let anyone who thinks he stands [who feels sure that he has a steadfast mind and is standing firm], take heed lest he fall [into sin]. For no temptation (no trial regarded as enticing to sin), [no matter how it comes or where it leads] has overtaken you and laid hold on you that is not common to man [that is, no temptation or trial has come to you that is beyond human resistance and that is not adjusted and adapted and belonging to human experience, and such as man can bear]. But God is faithful [to His Word and to His compassionate nature], and He [can be trusted] not to let you be tempted and tried and assayed beyond your ability and strength of resistance and power to endure, but with the temptation He will [always] also provide the way out (the means of escape to a landing place), that you may be capable and strong and powerful to bear up under it patiently.

We place ourselves in danger when we minimize the threat and persistence of sin, when we reason proudly that we are beyond its reach in our spiritual development. When a brother or sister slips, we should not despise them; but soberly consider that ‘but for the grace of God, go I.’
The sinful impulses that lead people to ruin are common to ALL HUMANITY. None of us can really say that we are above it in and of ourselves. Our primary duty in regards to temptation is to look to God for His way of escape from it. Repeated failure has taught me that my success rate is poor when I face certain sinful impulses head-on; but I have learned to take a lateral approach where I know I am weak. For instance, if my trigger is an argument with my spouse, or a depressing set-back, I know that I should not spend a lot of time alone in front of the computer (which is a doorway to self-medicating pornography). The strategy I have developed is to get outside in God’s nature and fresh air and hike, bike or kayak to burn off the angst and refresh my soul. It is about making better choices; selecting activities that benefit my life rather than foster shame. When temptation presents itself, there is always an alternate activity that serves as an exit door, a proper escape from sin. Another “escape” might be to call your accountability partner and confess that you are being tempted—I guarantee that sharing that will take the wind out of Satan’s sails, and will bless your partner in Christ: sins thrive in secrecy and isolation. If you do not have such a person in your life, that is where you need to begin.

Dear God,
My track record is not good; I fail so often when I operate on my own. So much shame about my shortcomings seem to amplify my errors. Please help me to use better strategies to combat sin in my life; to look for Your fire escape, to take an alternate path, to choose a righteous activity instead of sin. Help me to develop godly friendships and strengthen the bonds of my accountability so that I am not alone in my struggles; thank You for such people who are concerned for my soul and are willing to be there for me. Your presence, power and promises make all of the difference between failure and success; praise be to God.
Amen

All (but*) quotes are from The Amplified Bible, published by
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*New International Version (NIV)
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**Scripture taken from The Message. Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group. (Eugene Peterson's easy-to-read, contemporary Scripture translation)

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