1 Corinthians 10:13 (HCSB) 13 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to humanity. God is faithful and He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation He will also provide a way of escape, so that you are able to bear it. Recently, in a hotel room, I noticed the back of the door.  Printed on the door in laminated paper was a map.  It was a map of an escape route in case of fire.  It wasn’t real complicated, but I wasn’t familiar with the hotel.  I knew that if we had a fire, I would have to get out the best way I could because I didn’t know my way around the hotel. Aren’t you glad that God has promised to “provide a way of escape?”  We don’t have to memorize the escape routes for temptation.  Nothing takes God by surprise.  He doesn’t say, “OH, NO!  Lisa’s in trouble and I’ve never seen this kind of temptation before!”  And I never have to get myself out the best way I can because there is “no temptation” that is not “common to humanity.”  I spent years trying to overcome certain sins in my life.  I plotted and planned what I would do when I was tempted the next time.  It wasn’t until I learned to trust God and take one moment at a time that I could overcome the temptation.  Seems sort of backwards:  I succeeded when I quit trying.  God gives grace when it is needed.  However, He promises me a way of escape.  He doesn’t promise multiple ways.   I overcome temptation by making one choice at a time. A young man once told a wise woman, “I just don’t know I’m going to do it.  I don’t mean to sin; it just comes out.  I don’t even know it is coming.”   To which she replied, “So the Holy Spirit isn’t doing His job.”  The young man was shocked.  But she was right.  The Bible teaches that the Holy Spirit will convict us of sin before we do it.  Think about it.  Let’s say that cursing is your problem.  Doesn’t it go through you mind before you curse, that you should watch your tongue?  Sure it does.  You make a choice to sound cute or express your anger or add emphasis. When you go to indulge in any sin, if you are a Believer, the Holy Spirit whispers, “Don’t do that; you’ll be sorry.”  Then He offers an alternate route. The key to overcoming temptation is learning to focus on Jesus.  The closer I get to Jesus, the easier it is for me to identify sin before I commit it.  Then the more I say no to the temptation, the easier it becomes to turn from that sin.    We change our lives, one choice at a time. 13 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to humanity. God is faithful and He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation He will also provide a way of escape, so that you are able to bear it. Our God is faithful.  He is a high priest that understands our temptations because He has walked where we are walking.  No matter what you face, it isn’t a surprise to God; other human beings have been where you are.  Saying you can’t help yourself is true; only God can help you, but you can always choose not to sin.  Sin is a choice, not an uncontrollable urge – there is always an escape. *Lord Jesus, open my eyes when I am tempted.  Help me to see the way of escape that You provide.  Then give me the strength to overcome.  Thank You that You never give up on me.  Amen.