God always has a way out for us...Today's Scripture:
The only temptation that has come to you is that which everyone has. But you can trust God, who will not permit you to be tempted more than you can stand. But when you are tempted, he will also give you a way to escape so that you will be able to stand it.
1 Corinthians 10:13
In the fourth century, asceticism rose to its highest popularity. Ascetics were people who typically denied themselves the usual comforts of sleep, food, water, bed, and home. They did this, they believed, to avoid temptation. For instance, Saint Ascepsimas wore numerous chains to remind himself of his penchant for temptation. Brother Besarion, a monk, refused sleep, and wouldn't lie down for for forty years. Saint Maron lived in a hollow tree trunk, where he was supposedly safe from the influences of the world. There have been stories of ascetics in modern times who self-deny in the belief that to do so will obtain for them a higher spiritual or moral state.
Such measures do little to stop temptation. Instead, the Bible provides a far superior remedy. If one verse in the Bible stands out as a guide for dealing with temptation, 1 Corinthians 10:13 is it. Everyone faces temptation. You can't escape it. When you admit temptation is there and get prayer help, you find that others have faced the same thing.
You can claim God's promise that he won't let temptation become so strong that you have to give in.
He will guide you to an incredible escape hatch. Running and fleeing the temptation, resisting the temptation, or finding something else to do are all good strategies.
Selah people' and friends you don't have to give in to temptation, but God encourages you to turn to him for help, guidance, and comfort.
"The next time temptation taunts you, turn to God and ask him to show you his way of escape. He will, and you'll be free. Remember our true escape hatch is overhead. Turn to Christ...don't wait until it is too late."
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