How to Deal with Temptation God's Way
Sometimes the pressures of life and circumstances can feel overwhelming. It can seem like no one has faced the pressure and temptation that you are facing. You cannot see a way through.
There are three things you must know:
1. There are no "exclusive" temptations. Other believers have faced the same "common" temptation. Do not believe that you are alone or that no one understands what you are going through.
2. God is faithful and wise. "Don't panic, it's just a test!" Because He created you, saved you, and has a plan for your life, your temptation is a test that will help you discover greater grace and ability in yourself. No athlete can become better without being pushed and tested by training.
3. God provides a way of escape. The Greek word used for "escape" means "a way out" or a "mountain pass." It carries the idea of an army apparently surrounded and then suddenly seeing an escape route to safety. No temptation has to result in sinning because God's process teaches us how to look for the "escape route" that He provides. Your escape route might be praise, or special prayer, or godly counsel, or changing how we think, or another route. The escape route is never found in complaining, pouting, or caving in to the temptation to sin or take ungodly actions.
You can make it! Thank God for His goodness and grace!
