A Way of Escape
When fall arrives, so do the apple cinnamon donuts. I push my cart through the bakery aisle at a snail’s pace, scanning the shelves for the familiar box. And yesterday, I found gold.
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In all honesty, sweets can be a big temptation for me. It seems like whenever I start to feel overwhelmed with life or stretched too thin, I’m drawn to the kitchen. In a matter of seconds I’ve grabbed a handful of chocolate chips in an attempt to relieve the stress I’m feeling. Food becomes an escape from needing to do the next right thing- whether that’s filling out the mountain of paperwork on my desk or sweeping the kitchen floor.
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This week I was reminded of how God wants us to fight temptation. In Matthew 4, Jesus is fasting in the desert for 40 days and nights when Satan comes to tempt him. Three different times Satan tempts him- to turn stones to bread, to prove his deity by throwing himself off the pinnacle of the temple, and to gain all the kingdoms of the world in exchange for his worship. And do you remember how Jesus fights him? With the Word of God! Jesus quotes scripture that was spoken to the Israelites in Deuteronomy.
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“Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” Matt.4:4 (Deut. 8:2-3)
“Again it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’” Matt. 4:7 (Deut. 6:16)
“Be gone, Satan! For it is written, “’You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.’” Matt. 4:10 (Deut.6:13)
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Jesus sets the pattern for us. We fight our temptation with the word of God. Which means we need to know the word of God so that his promises come to mind when we’re faced with temptation...
-to defend ourselves after a critical remark
-to indulge in that second piece of chocolate cake
-to blow-up over our child’s spilled milk (again)
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God always provides a way of escape. Where do you need to trust him today?
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“No temptation has seized you except what is 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 Cor.10:13