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There Is A Way Out

11 These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the culmination of the ages has come. 12 So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! 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. – 1 Corinthians 10:11-13

In 2003 Aron Ralston went into Blue John Canyon near Moab, Utah on a bright, sunny Saturday morning to pursue his passion for bouldering and the outdoors. He hadn’t told anyone about his plans and was all alone. In one improbable instant an eight ton boulder shifted pinning his right hand and wrist against the canyon wall. Perhaps you’ve heard the story of his escape that involved severing his own arm after six days struggling against that immovable boulder. It’s hard to imagine such an extreme solution but his only other alternative was death.

Aron was in that predicament because he was tempted to believe that his familiarity with the area made it safe for him to go there without leaving word with anyone about where he was or how long he would be gone. He thought he was on solid ground…standing firm, if you will. Because, after all, how many eight ton boulders just move like that?

Are you in a predicament of your own making? Did you think you were standing firm only to find out that temptation had overtaken you? Hear the words of St. Paul to the Corinthians, “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.” It may take some time to see the way out and it may be brutally painful and you may lose some part of yourself in the process. But if you don’t trust that God is faithful and has a way out for you you’ll stop seeking him. At that point your only alternative is death. God has a way out for you so diligently seek Him.

Prayer
Lord, I trust your promise that you will not let me be tempted beyond what I can bear and that you will provide a way out so that I can endure. Forgive me for going my own way and grant me patience to see your way out of the predicaments I get myself into. Amen.