Escape

God is faithful and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability. – 1 Corinthians 10:13

A freshwater aquarium sat against a wall in the living room in which, among the “denizens of the deep,” there dwelled a small spotted lobster. The tiny crustacean apparently had a temptation to venture outside the confines of his safe watery environment and would often be found by the young girl in the house on the living room floor. She would dutifully return him to his rightful place, only to have it happen again. He earned the moniker from her of “Escape Claws.“

No matter how cautiously you live, there may be times when temptations come that entice you to leave the safety of your relationship with the Lord to explore what else might be “out there.” Yet in the faithfulness of God toward you, He gently picks you up and returns you to your proper place, if you let Him.

Today’s complete verse says, “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.” God is not surprised when you experience temptation, or even if you accede to it. He has given you the strength to say no. “The Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one” (2 Thessalonians 3:3). But if you fall, and if you sin, your escape clause is clearly written in 1 John 1:9: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Those serving in Congress face many temptations. None of them surprise the Lord, who offers them the same provision He has given to you. Pray that more legislators would seek Him, His forgiveness, and His restoration.