When you are tempted, God will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. I Corinthians 10:13
The insidious nature of temptation is that it doesn’t always look like chocolate fudge cake with Cookies and Cream Blue Bell ice cream (there’s none better). It's often hidden in our ego, the deep stuff of the soul.
Case in point ...
A few months ago, I contracted with an industry professional to work on a project intended to market my prequel and expand my readership. Because, as a Truth smuggler who uses fiction to sneak the gospel into her stories, the farther the reach, the greater chance readers who don't know Jesus might be introduced to him.
[There. Now you know my secret 😉]
The initial pre-production Q&A went exceptionally well. Based on the terms of the contract, I entrusted her to create a product to match my vision, paid the 30% deposit—and off we went.
Mid-way through our collaboration, I’d become increasingly unhappy with aspects of the project. The subtle unrest in my spirit intensified to what bordered on a holy bellow.
Lord, I’m not proud of this. I’d hesitate to promote it ... which defeats the purpose.
But end the relationship with her? I’d rather drink turpentine. And … what if I’m not seeing this accurately? What if my expectations are unrealistic, standards too strict, demands unreasonable? What if this was your provision and I cut the moorings?
What if … I’m right?
I needed a way out.
Like any mature Christian, I stewed and fussed and agonized over what to do—that after having sent her another email with requests for a few more corrections.
By week’s end, I received her lengthy response which offered me 3 options.
As a professional author looking to release a product of merit, the first and third option were unacceptable—or beyond my scope of resources and time constraint.
The second option came with an invitation: I could cancel the contract.
“I’ve given you a way out.”
I tuned into the Holy Spirit's audible voice in my soul and ... God had provided a way out—the very thing I needed to do but lacked the courage.
Why? Because the temptation to play nice had overcome my reasoning. (Refusing a bowl of Blue Bell would have been a breeze compared to the potential for conflict)
After a week of prayer and wise counsel, I chose option 2 and, with utmost respect for her as a fellow professional, canceled the contract.
Her response was gracious. Maybe she needed a way out of a situation that wasn’t the best match for her either.
How gracious, kind, and loving of God to do what I couldn’t do, that which my temptation to keep-the-peace-at-all-cost hindered me from doing.
For those who've committed to a lenten fast to prepare for Easter, well, today's the day, friends. Be on guard throughout this spiritually rewarding, yet challenging season. Because Satan will attempt to barricade the door to God's way out of temptation as we strive to adhere to our commitment.
Let's look earnestly for God's loving way out and listen to his direction as he guides us to blessed freedom.
Points to Ponder
✶Where do you need him to swing wide the door to enable you to get away from a situation?
✶How might God be leading you out of an attachment to something or a mindset that promises rain in drought but doesn’t deliver? Fear, pride … food, an addictive substance, or a relationship? ✶What stands in the way of taking God’s escape from it?
Thanks for reading!
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