A Way of Escape

This morning on the drive to church, a bug on the inside of the driver's side window was annoying my husband.  As we slowed to a stop at a traffic light, he rolled down his window and tried to shoo the bug out into the fresh morning air, but the stubborn creature clung to the edge of the window.  He batted at it several times, but it was no use. Finally, in exasperation, he squashed it against the window that it seemed so determined to occupy. 

My first reaction was, "Ewww!" as I heard the crunch of the bug under his finger.  I remarked that he surely had given the bug plenty of opportunities to escape, but that in rejecting the offer, the bug had chosen his own disaster.

In this case, the insect's choice had literal life or death consequences but for us as spiritual beings, the choices put before us are eternal - a never-ending, joyous home in heaven with God or eternal separation from Him in hell. It's based on a single choice.

Acts 4:12 says, "Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved".  

However, it's not only the eternal escape that we need but also a way to be rescued from the challenge of our sin nature still rearing its ugly head in our lives.  Fortunately, God has provided a solution for that issue as well.

"No temptation has overtaken you except such 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."  1 Corinthians 10:13

I'm so glad that God has mercy towards us and is long-suffering - even waiting many years for some of us to take advantage of that open window into the fresh air of life in Him, but as my pastor taught this morning, God has also said that His Spirit would not always strive with man. (Genesis 6:3) That window of escape - of a chance to live and prosper and find your purpose in this life - won't always be there.  Take advantage of the unfathomable opportunity God has given you - first to accept His salvation and then to walk with His Spirit to rescue you from all the traps and snares the enemy lays for you in this life. It's your choice.