1 Corinthians 10

1 Corinthians 10:13  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.

Well, I think we must be on the right track with the pursuit of continuing to seek more of God; continuing to dive deeper; continuing to get crazier with Christ.  What makes me so sure?  I believe when we are no threat to the enemy, he leaves us alone for the most part.  As long as we are nominal Christians and are lukewarm in our faith, we don’t pose a threat to him…and we definitely are not helping Christianity.  But as soon as we start making commitments and getting serious, Satan notices.  He tries to squash our new-found energy in faith as quickly as possible.  And that’s exactly what happened to me today.

Someone from my past called me today – or rather this person “butt dialed” me.  If you are unfamiliar with the term “butt dial,” it is when someone’s phone moves around in their pocket or purse and accidentally calls someone.  The recipient answers and just hears background noise or even hears the person who is calling talking in the background.  And being that my first name is “Amy,” you might be surprised how often I receive these calls.  Well, I was certain this person from my past accidentally called as I had 90 seconds of what sounded like paper shuffling…and no I didn’t listen to the whole 90 seconds.  But I was concerned.  I hadn’t spoken to this person in several months and what if they were locked in a trunk somewhere trying to reach anyone?  But I didn’t want to get pulled back into this person’s drama.  So – I texted them.  Just a quick – hey did you try to get a hold of me or just accidentally call?  They texted back an apology and said they must have called getting into their vehicle…and how have I been? 

A simple question – but for me this is where the temptation started.  A quick – I’m doing ok, staying busy, how are you?  They said ok, mentioned they were still looking for work.  Before I knew it I had typed a question and hit send…what was I doing?  I’m trying not to get pulled back in!  One more question not to see uncaring (I’m a pastor after all) and I was done.  I had typed one more question…but then deleted it and let it go. 

This may not seem like a big deal, but I feel like I have won a war!!  This off and on dramatic relationship with this person has been going on for far too long and I had been doing so well…I can’t get sucked back in…especially on an accident.  Though I don’t really believe it was an accident – I believe Satan is trying to get me off kilter.  But it’s not going to work!!  Not this time!!!

People often misquote today’s passage and say God will never give you more than you can handle or tempt you more than you can handle.  That’s not exactly right – it does say he will always give you a way out, that you may endure.  For me the way out was just to stop texting, not ask any more questions.  When temptation comes your way – it’s easy to say “just don’t do it,” often that is easier said than done.  God gives us a way out – but we have a choice.  Either give in to temptation and sin, or take God’s way out and have victory over sin!!!  Let me tell you – I’m flying high instead of feeling defeated tonight because I made a tough call.  The next time temptation comes your way, remember how you felt last time after you gave in…after “the fun” ended.  Remember the pain and the heartache and seek God’s way out.  You can do it!! I have faith in you!!  The Holy Spirit will give you strength if you just ask!!

I’m praying for you!

Pastor Amy