THE “ESCAPE”
The wrestling in prayer regarding our “escape” may be expressed this way: “Lord, I struggle with those things and desires which try to bind and hold me back. Deliver me from temptation. Lead me in Your way. When faced with temptation, help me to see, trust, and use the way out You promise to provide.”
For those familiar with wrestling, the escape logically follows the stand up. We don’t escape by sitting. We don’t escape by staying where we are. We must move away from whatever we are escaping in order to break free.
Paul admonished Timothy. . .
“(22) So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.” (2 Timothy 2:22 ESV)
Praise God He has provided the means for escape. Peter encouraged. . .
“(3) His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, (4) by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire.” (2 Peter 1:3-4 ESV)
As God provides the way, we need to go for it. The longer we remain, the stronger the grip by which we will be held. As Paul encouraged. . .
“(13) No temptation has overtaken you that is not 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.” (I Corinthians 10:13 ESV)
The way is there. Will we choose it? Will we use it? May we continue to see, trust, and use the means of escape our Lord provides. He gave Himself for us that we might be free!
Have a great day ESCAPING INTO THE FREEDOM GOD PROVIDES!
Carl
