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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: ESCAPE (03/04/21)
In recent months the church fellowship of which I am a part has developed a special tradition due to the unique circumstances in which we find ourselves. While most of our group watches from home, a small part of us meets together to provide a live stream of our church experience to those unable to gather with us. Once we are done, we then form a circle to share prayer needs and bring our requests to God. In this process, many tell us of deep troubling issues and often the request is for immediate deliverance from whatever challenge is being experienced. While I understand the desire, I believe too many times we miss the opportunity to grow through such situations rather than merely looking for a way to get out.

The Apostle Paul directly addressed this issue in his first epistle written to those in Corinth. His words are in the context of temptation and he explained that God will not allow anything to come against us without providing the way of escape. Many take this to mean that when they are faced with a challenging situation that they are promised a way out, but in doing so they fail to consider the rest of the statement. Paul explained that this way out was not to avoid the troubling situation but to stand up under it or endure it. The best example for the unbelieving world is to see a follower of Jesus standing strong while going through a dark challenge. In doing so we grow stronger in our faith, God is glorified, and the unbelieving world sees a different way to live in the face of challenges that eventually come upon us all.

I am sympathetic to those who desire to just have it all stop. Many within our fellowship and others we know have gone through a seemingly endless series of challenges that would test the faith of even the strongest follower of Jesus. Going through difficult situations is hard, frustrating, and can often leave us worn out and depleted. The temptation to want to find a way out is intense, but God has a better way. If we choose to stand up under our difficulties, God promises the wisdom and resources to endure them and in doing so we become more like the one we choose to follow and others see the God we serve in a more positive light. Though this way is hard, the end result is glorious and that is a very good thing indeed.
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This article has been read 319 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Penny Neimiller 
03/16/21
Indeed it is! Fast read and natural flow on top of great message. Thank you.
Linda Lawrence 
03/17/21
I think you could edit this down to 300 words and have a publishable, meaty devotional.
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
03/19/21
This is a great message. I can relate in many ways. I do often want instant gratification but also see how wonderful God is by giving me strength to endure. Congratulations on ranking 2nd in your level and 16 overall. Happy Dance!