| Monday, March 7 |
1 Corinthians 10:13 |
No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. 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 out so that you can endure it.
KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN
Have you ever been to an escape room? It has become an increasingly popular entertainment and team-building exercise where a person or group of people gets locked in a room. They are required to look for clues to find their way out of the room in a specified amount of time, and there are often traps or decoys to distract them from solving the clues.
While not a perfect analogy, one could look at life's temptations as similar to being in an escape room. We have clues along the way to help us make the right decision. Perhaps these clues are life experiences that have taught us right from wrong. Some clues are societal, such as laws and rules.
Then, of course, we have the clues for dealing with temptation that are provided within the Scriptures. If we interpret and utilize the clues correctly, we will likely find safe passage to the other side.
Take a moment and think about the temptations you have faced in your life. Certainly, there were times that the clues in your life gave you the needed strength to face the temptation head-on. Isn't it such a relief to be able to say "Thank you, God!" for leading you through to the other side? Now think about the times that you didn't do such a great job of facing temptation — maybe you completely lost the battle. We've all been there, and it feels terrible, and the pain of guilt can feel insurmountable. But just as God gives us the clues in our life to meet and beat temptation, he also gives us the grace and mercy to endure the pain of unconquered temptation. His love never fails — neither in our triumph nor in our defeat.
Merciful God, thank you for leading me and guiding me as I face temptation. I want to make the right decisions, and when I do, I praise your name. But I know there have been times when I have failed to make the right decision and I know that your mercy and grace transcend my failures and provide me a way to endure. Your unending love gives me confidence to forgive myself just as you have forgiven me. In your precious name I pray. Amen
Allison Keith
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