November 13

“Sometimes God permits ‘a great earthquake’ which opens our prison doors, so that we can take the easy way out.  We decide at this point.  Remaining in prison can sometimes lead to a greater fulfilling of God’s purpose than for us to go free.”  Eugenia Price, S.P.S., 10/24

Eugenia is talking about when Paul and Silas were in the prison and how they returned after going to the jailer’s house where they led the jailer and his family to Christ.  It was clear to Paul that he should return because God wasn’t done using his imprisonment.  But what about the rest of us?  How can we know if we are to walk through a door that has been opened to us that seems like a way of escape from our troubles?  This is where the Word of God is invaluable.   For instance, because divorce is so available and easy for us today we may think it is our way of escape from a bad marriage, and many Christians take it.  But God’s word tells us that infidelity is the only reason God accepts and then as a last resort.  In an abusive marriage, separation provides a temporary escape and an opportunity to use that time to get help in resolving the problems in the relationship.  There are many more ways in which we try to escape our troubles that seem like open doors to us, but we must be careful to examine them for God’s fingerprints.  In Paul’s case God did open the door, but it was also His intention that Paul return through that same open door so that His will could be accomplished.  Is there a place where you feel confined?  Might God have a purpose that you’ve not yet seen?

“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man.  God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your strength, but with the temptation will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”  1 Corinthians 10:13