Temptations and Escapes

What do you think temptation looks like? Is it the same for your siblings? Is it the same for your parents? Is it the same for each of your friends? Is it the same for each and every stage of your life?

Probably not. Temptations are common, but not all the same. God allowed Satan to tempt/test Jesus in the wilderness (Luke 4). Satan used what he thought would most easily cause Jesus to fail: Hunger, Power, and Protection. Satan wanted to get Jesus to test God to see if God’s Word was true. Could God relieve Jesus’ hunger? Could God give Jesus rule and control? Could God keep Jesus safe (even from Himself)? A resounding YES! Jesus knew what God had promised, but He also knew that God said not to “test” Him. Jesus waited for God’s help, which was given right after the third temptation, in the form of God sending Satan running (until another opportunity presented itself).

My temptations are similar to what Satan used with Jesus, but are different, too. My three favorite addictions (see More Than Wishing for July 14^th) are what Satan uses to tempt/test me. Satan wants me to focus on what I want that is contrary to God’s plans. Mostly it has to do with escaping problems or hard situations by my own, human power. In AA, the end of How It Works (read at the beginning of most meetings) says,

“Our description of the alcoholic, the chapter of the agnostic, and our personal adventures before and after make clear three pertinent ideas:

(a) That we were alcoholic and could not manage our own lives.
(b) That probably no human power could have relieved our alcoholism.
(c) That God could and would if He were sought.”

God could and would . . . and will continue to work whenever I seek Him.

The Bible tells it a slightly different way:

“No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, that you may be able to endure it. [1 Corinthians 10:13]

Taking things into human hands to escape misses out on God’s best and usually results in a sense of dissatisfaction and frustration. It is in the seeking of His escape that lessens anxiety, fear and frustration. He has provided a way out – a healthy, satisfying, and peaceful escape. Seek it.