The Way of Escape

The challenge you are facing right now has three interesting truths you need to know. Firstly, it is not new or different. Someone else has that same challenge before, has it now or will have it later. Secondly, it is not stronger than you. Thirdly which is the most important, there is always a way of escape. (1 Corinthians 10:13)

Temptations are built to take you out personally. It works on your mind will and emotions. It tells you that your case is different and new. But that is not true. It distracts you from the fact that it is you that is different. It is you that is new. As a new creature temptation is old. Therefore, “…old things have passed away” (2 Corinthians 5:17). Challenges cannot hold you to ransom when new things are holding on to you. For these new “….things are of God. (2 Corinthians 5:18) Poverty should not hold on to us when prosperity is already holding us. Do not allow any situation to make you think any different.

A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee” shows that success is with you; not failure (Psalm91:7). God lives in us. God is success. So where is failure? Think about that. Temptation tries to put failure on you. Say no to it. “….A righteous man may fall seven times And rise again (Proverbs 24:16 NKJV). It is knowing who you are that makes you get back up. Addictions, habits or debts should not sway your mind to think that is who you are else you will remain bound.

Temptation works its way inside of you so that you do not see the way of escape God has provided. The answer is inside you. Do not be blinded by the enticing nature of it.  Rather see that “God is faithful…” (1 Corinthians 10:13).

If a building is on fire, some people can escape through the front door. Some through the fire escape. Some through the window. The most important thing is you have escaped the fire. There are three powerful ways to escape anything you are going through right now. Through this, addictions, habits and habitual failures will come to an end.

Escape by Prophets/Pastors

There is a spiritual head for you that your heart goes out to. All things being equal it is supposed to be the pastor of the church you go to. But it is not always the case. This spiritual head is someone you want to be like. That you are willing to do what the person says knowing that he/she words will bring changes to your life. It should be a person you are willing to sow to financially. It is a heart connection not just head. You know that what he/she says will make you free and not just feel good.

A brother with an addiction issue was listening to his Bishop who said: “If you think holiness is unattainable then you will never live holy”. Those words brought him freedom. He escaped the addiction for good. He had a heart connection with the man of God.

If King Saul had listened to God’s commandment through Prophet Samuel rather than the people, the psalms we are reading of David would have been the psalms of Saul. Saul did not honour the Prophets words and he lost his Kingship (1 Samuel 13). Honour the words of the man of God over your life and you will reign as a King over any situation.

Escape by Prayers

Prayer makes “…tremendous power available…” (James 5:16). It is with this power you quench the pressures of this life. The more you pray, the more you see answers jumping out for you. But you must pray with the mindset that an answer will come. Do not allow the deadlines to make you afraid.

Daniel was in a life or death situation. If nobody showed the king the dream and interpretation of it then all the wise men including him will be killed. Daniel told the King “..give me time, and I will show the King the interpretation” (Daniel 2:16).

Daniel prayed expecting an answer and God answered. When praying your heart is moving towards the answer and once found it will come in ideas, visions, dreams, courage, places or people. Pray with expectations, not in desperation. Tears won’t make things happen, it is only those who believe that receive.

Escape by Personal Circumcision

Circumcision is the removal of the foreskin. Circumcision was an outward sign that signified who God’s people were (Genesis 17). Therefore Personal circumcision is basically the removal of anything that is not needed. It is the removal of anything that stands between a healthy functional relationship with God.

If watching movies will bring wrong thoughts or make you not to pray and read the word, you need to stop watching. If some of your friends will make you engage in immoral activities, end the friendship. If your Job makes you do illegal activities or activities clearly against God’s word, leave it. Get rid of the weights making you fall. Get rid of things God has told you to let go of.

Samson fell due to lack of personal circumcision. He never listened to anybody, not even his parents. Those things that you are hanging around and you keep deceiving yourself “I can handle it. I know what I am doing” will be your downfall. Give your life order, structure and discipline.

David slept with another man’s wife because he went against the structure he put for himself. He was supposed to be at the Warfront, not the Homefront (2 Kings 11:1). Adultery comes when you leave the structure you put to curb against it. Financial ruin comes when you leave the structure you have put for prosperity.

Through spiritual leaders, sustained prayers and spiritual discipline you can conquer anything.