Let Me Out!

By Andrea Merrell

 

 No temptation has overtaken you

except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, 

who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able,

but with the temptation will also make the way of escape,

that you may be able to bear it.

1 Corinthians 10:13

Our trip to Canada was a great experience. Quaint little towns, a lovely vineyard and winery on the top of a hill, and beautiful, rolling countryside.

Getting into Canada was a breeze. Getting out was a different story. The officer at the gate took his job very seriously. He asked if we purchased anything. I told him we ate lunch. (I’m surprised he didn’t ask for proof.) He asked our purpose for being there. My husband told him we were vacationing in Maine in our motor home. All the while, his eyes traveled everywhere. The outside of the vehicle. The inside. Us. He even checked the front of our Jeep to be sure we were telling the truth about towing it behind the RV.

After a few minutes of interrogation, I felt like a bug under a microscope. I wanted to shout, “just let me out of here!”

The scenario reminds me of how easily we find ourselves falling into sticky situations that can lead to a lifetime of sin and bondage. It’s so easy to get in. Getting out, not so much.

The getting out begins with acknowledging our need, making a decision to change, then calling out to the One who can deliver us in an instant. No questions. No interrogation to be sure we’re telling the truth. And no condemnation to make us feel like a criminal. Only love, mercy, and a whole lot of grace.

If you find yourself caught in a bad situation and can’t break free, call on the Lord and say, “Let me out.” He will faithfully make a way of escape.

(Photo courtesy of author,  FreeDigitalPhotos.net and Stuart Miles.)

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If you find yourself caught in a bad situation and can’t break free, call on the Lord. He will faithfully make a way of escape.  via @AndreaMerrell (Click to tweet.)

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Just Say No!

By Andrea Merrell

And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written,

That man shall not live by bread alone,

but by every word of God.

Luke 4:4 KJV

Are you struggling with a habit you’re trying very hard to overcome? The old adage is “Just say no!” So, how’s that working for you?

Let’s look at an example. Maybe you’re trying to lose weight, but you LOVE chocolate chip cookies. You decide to cut them out of your diet and whenever you see one, you say, “I will not eat that cookie … I will not eat that cookie.” The problem is that the more you think about those luscious chocolate chips, the more you want the cookies. The temptation doesn’t go way … it generally gets worse.

So, what’s the answer? Change your focus and add some power to the no.

Satan tempted Jesus in the wilderness repeatedly, but Jesus did more than just say no. He backed it up with the power of God’s Word. By speaking His Father’s sharp, powerful, life-changing truth, He won every battle and overcame every temptation.

How can we expect to do it any other way?

When we keep our mind on Him, He promises to keep us in perfect peace. Changing our focus and redirecting our thoughts, along with speaking God’s Word over our situation, will give us victory over all the temptations the enemy throws our way.

So, next time temptation comes knocking, just say, No! It is written …

(Photos courtesy of freedigitalphotos/Paul/zirconicusso.)

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Just say no, but back it up with the power of God's Word. via @AndreaMerrell (Click to Tweet.)

Change your focus and add some power to the no. via @AndreaMerrell (Click to Tweet.)

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