Exit...this way!

1 Corinthians 10:13– “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.”
    Fire Marshalls do routine inspections of buildings and facilities and look for records of emergency evacuation plans. Schools and businesses are required to practice fire and emergency drills. Hospitals and health care facilities must know how to transport non-ambulatory patients in care of fire, flood, or any life-threatening assault. All of these actions require that personnel responsible must know the layout of the building; they must have an action plan in place and they must practice the plan so that when or if an emergency does arise, they will not be unorganized, panicked or ineffective in securing the lives of those under their care and their own safety.
     God gives us many instructions in his word of what we need to do to live productive and safe lives. He gives warnings and precepts about fear, pre-marital sex; infidelity, greed, covetousness, and even laziness. If we follow these guidelines we are more likely to steer clear of many ills and dangers. But God knows our nature and therefore he also has some added assistance -in case of emergency. When temptation or testing or just the vicissitudes of life bear too hard upon us, God does factor in plans for our ‘escape’. Just like the lit signs above doorways, these EXITs are strategically placed to make sure that we not only see them, but that we can use them in times of need. The only way to make the best use of these EXITs is of course to 1) know that they exist; 2) know where they are; and 3) know where they lead.
     God’s plan for us includes EXITs to help us escape from areas that are too taxing upon us to allow for our success. Before you might fold under a certain pressure or succumb to a temptation that could ruin your life or set you back tremendously, these little EXITs light up and if you are wise you will “Exit – stage right” and use the opportunity to regroup. Don’t’ be ashamed to bow out for a moment and get your head on straight; it is better to run than to burn.
    You are out with friends and want just one more ‘little’ drink to cap the night off; but somehow the bartender just can’t seem to make it just the right way and you keep sending it back….take that EXIT. You meet someone and there is just somethingggggg about them that you can’t quite put your finger on, but red flags start waving and bells go off in your head….take that EXIT. You feel like just skipping out on work early or going someplace you really don’t need to visit and you can’t find your car keys right away or you keep fumbling and dropping them…take that EXIT. Like the song from the Color Purple – “God is trying to tell you something”.
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day. Don’t be distracted; stay focused on your purpose. Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn