A Way Out

“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.”

- 1 Corinthians 10:13 (ESV)

Chocolate constantly calls out to me. I’ll admit it, I love it. But sometimes, it feels like chocolate loves me a little too much. Correction: chocolate is not the enemy here. The problem lies in my inability to enjoy it in moderation. One bite often snowballs into far more than I intended.

Temptation works in much the same way. Once we give in, its grip feels tighter. Each “yes” feeds its strength. But the opposite is also true: the more we resist temptation, the weaker its hold becomes.

I’ve learned something powerful about myself. I cannot fully trust my own willpower. Left on my own, I will eventually give in. But here’s the good news: I don’t have to fight temptation in my own strength. When I admit my weakness before God, I gain access to His strength. He promises not only that He will limit temptation’s reach but also that He will always provide a way of escape.

But here’s the key: knowing an escape route exists isn’t enough. We must actually choose to take it. God’s way out is always there, but it requires us to humble ourselves, call on Him, and then walk down the road He has opened.

Have you found this true in your own life? Maybe you’ve tried to resist temptation in your own strength, only to stumble. But perhaps you’ve also had moments where you leaned into God’s power and found the ability to say “no” to something you could never resist on your own.

Temptation will come. That’s guaranteed. But so is God’s promise of an escape. Our part is to trust Him enough to take it.

What battles of temptation do you regularly face? If you’re honest, have there been times when God provided an escape route, but you refused to take it? Today, let’s ask Him for eyes to recognize the escape He gives and for the courage to run down that path.

Thank You, Lord, that You are faithful and that no temptation is too great for me when I walk in Your strength. I confess that too often I rely on my own willpower, only to fall short. Help me to trust You when temptation comes. Give me spiritual vision to see the way of escape You provide, and the courage to flee down the path You’ve made for me. Strengthen me by Your Spirit and let my life be a testimony to Your power at work in me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.