1 Cor. 10

"Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall. No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape, also, so that you will be able to endure it." v. 12-13

I know of so many pastors that thought "they could stand" but then they fell. This temptation often comes when you are feeling very strong (prideful) in your knowledge of the Word, or how big your church is, or how many people are listening to you that you start to get puffed up and don't see the temptation for what it is; therefore, unable to combat it and see the way of escape.

This happened to me. I was in the middle of saving my marriage by going to Christian counseling, bringing my family to church, being involved in ministry. I didn't see it coming because I wasn't looking for it. Then I gave into it because it was fun and I was needy. I wasn't looking for a way of escape but before things were going to grossly change my life, God through me a life preserver and begged me to not continue. Two people, the night I left my family - that I had confided in - begged me to reconsider. Whoa..the work of the master deceiver...how sad God must have been that night knowing the sorrow my family was going to face on account of my actions. God continued to offer a way out a few more times in the months following, only to be ignored.

Dear Jesus, may I always see your way with open eyes and a heart that needs to follow you.

"For the earth is the Lord's, and all it contains." v. 26

God has blessed us with so much to enjoy...you'd think we'd be able just to trust Him and go His way and enjoy all that He wants to give us. I'm looking forward to the day of eternal rest, when the enemy is stomped out and we can just love God and love each other with no interference.