The Way of Escape

This week marks one year that I have been posting Biblical insights online. "Thank you" to each of you that have read, commented, shared, or have otherwise been encouraged in your faith. As a way of commemorating the first year, I have decided to post some of the most popular posts of 2013, chosen by your interactions with them. I look forward to many more years of encouraging and equipping believers in the Word.

   "No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it." - 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NASB)

   How many times have you heard someone say about a difficult situation, "God will give you a way out?" Each of us encounter trials (temptations) on a regular basis. Although we do not enjoy them, life is unfortunately filled with them. However, God uses trials to teach more about Himself, and more about us.

   This is an often misquoted and misunderstood verse of Scripture. True, the KJV translates it as "a way of escape," but the NASB, NKJV, RSV, ASV, and ESV translations all translate the sentence as "the way of escape." The consensus seems to be that "the way" is a better translation of the Greek. I believe this is a more accurate rendering as well. When the Lord allows us to face a temptation (trial or test), there is usually something that God is wanting us to learn. Perhaps it is learning to trust Him in some new way. Maybe it is a new area of our life in which the Word of God needs to be applied. Whatever the "test" is, there is the "answer." I believe the "way of escape" refers to the answer for the test itself. The "way of escape" is the point of the test. When a person takes a test, there are usually multiple possible answers to the question, the trick is deciding which is the correct answer. Similarly, when God tests His people, there may be multiple options, but there is usually one correct answer. Once we find that solution, and apply it, we pass the test. Therefore, we are able to endure it.

   Whatever test you may find yourself, rest assured that God has already provided the solution. The trick is deciding on which solution is His solution, thereby passing the test. Rather than trying all the options to see what might work, why not ask God which direction to go. James reminds us that he gives wisdom liberally to those who ask. Ask Him, and see what happens!