In 1995, America entered the war in Bosnia to prevent even more “ethnic cleansing,” a euphemism for wholesale slaughter of ethnic peoples.
Shortly after the war began, a United States Air Force jet piloted by Captain Scott O’Grady was shot down. Fortunately, he ejected and survived for six days until being rescued by United States Marines.
O’Grady survived those days by constantly moving from place to place with very little to eat and almost no sleep. In spite of his weakened condition, when the Marines landed a rescue helicopter Captain O’Grady refused to quit. He drew his weapon, fought his way through heavy brush, and ran with all his energy toward the escape.
Like Captain O’Grady, God has provided an escape when we face temptation.
Think of what God has provided and what we can do.
Believers have the hope and power to escape temptation because of the indwelling Holy Spirit. While unbelievers do not have this power, we have what we need in the midst of intense temptation.
God has provided us with His presence and power, and He fortifies us with His Word.
When you face temptation, you are not alone. God has provided what we need.
We also have a part and effort in our escape.
Think of what God calls us to do.
“Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong” (1 Corinthians 16:13).
“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. Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry” (1 Corinthians 10:13-14). The “way of escape” is a military term describing the kind of effort which Captain O’Grady and his rescuers exerted on his behalf.
As we go through this world with its temptation and trouble, let us live in the hope we have in God. Let us exert great effort to be faithful to God.
Let us stand firm in our faith, resisting the devil and fleeing from his temptation.
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