I had just started my new teaching position, and with classes set to begin on Tuesday after the Labor Day weekend. I made my way to the school on Monday to ensure I was fully prepared for the first day.
My office was upstairs, and as I hurriedly made my way to use the restroom downstairs, I didn't anticipate what would happen next.
Upon finishing in the bathroom, I tried to re-enter the classroom, only to find the door locked behind me. Unfortunately, EVERY door along the hallway was locked, leaving me stranded downstairs without my keys or phone, both of which were upstairs. With my car parked outside and no one's contact information memorized, panic started to set in. What was I going to do? I was 35 minutes away from home with no immediate solution in sight.
Faced with this unexpected predicament, I scanned the area for any possible escape route and noticed a small table by the exit. Then, my gaze shifted upwards, and I spotted the ceiling tiles. In a moment of desperation, I stepped onto the table and reached up to move a ceiling tile, revealing the rafters above. Summoning strength I didn't know I had, I hoisted myself up and perched precariously on the rafters, before carefully maneuvering to reach another ceiling tile on the opposite side of the wall. With a mix of determination and fear, I lowered myself down and finally landed safely on the floor.
As I reflected on the ordeal later, I couldn't help but see the parallel to facing temptation. Just like being trapped in that hallway, temptations can seem insurmountable, leaving us feeling hopeless and powerless. But just as I found an unconventional way out, God promises to provide a way out when we're tempted, even if it seems unlikely or absurd.
1 Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has overtaken you
except what is common to mankind.
And God is faithful;
he will not let you be tempted
beyond what you can bear.
But when you are tempted,
he will also provide
a way out so that you can endure it.
Drawing from 1 Corinthians 10:13, we're reassured that no temptation is too great to overcome, and God is faithful to provide us with an escape route. So, the next time you find yourself confronted with temptation, remember to keep your eyes open for the unexpected exit route that God provides.