On Monday, I told my husband, “This is just too much to endure! It is too painful! I wish I could just run away.”
I ran to the Bible instead. (I guess one of the advantages of being older, is that you know where your help comes from.) My reading was I Corinthians 10.
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. I Corinthians 10:13
If you’re in a situation that seems like too much, it’s time to run to the Bible and let God provide you with an escape route. The escape route can take many directions. It may be guidance for dealing with your situation. It may be correction in the way you are thinking about your situation. It may be encouragement that you’re not on the journey alone. It may be a reminder that God has a purpose and a plan for you.
Do you see the main truth to hold onto when you’re struggling? It’s so simple, yet so profound. GOD IS FAITHFUL! When our situation is rugged, it’s easy to lose sight of the faithfulness of God. All we see is the rough terrain.
Notice also, that temptation never arrives by itself. It always has a partner. Temptation always comes with ‘the way of escape’. It’s natural to want to escape our pain. The problem is we try to escape it in all the wrong ways. Instead, we must run to God with our pain. He will provide the way of escape. He will give us perseverance, encouragement, and hope. Romans 15:4-5
