To escape a crisis is not the same thing as avoiding one. To escape it is to courageously walk into it and by the grace of God find your way out. This is different from avoidance, which is to go around a problem or to turn and head the other way when you see one approaching.

As I often say, I have tried both.  There have been times that I have faced those crisis moments that challenge my faith head-on, and there have also been times that I ducked into the dark alley of avoidance.

I met recently with a man that has been avoiding a particular crisis in his life for months, maybe years, through a strategy of avoidance. Rather than stepping into the difficulty with both feet he has kept himself distracted with self-indulgence. But you can only do that for so long. Eventually the crisis will become unavoidable.

But why just avoid when you can escape? Have you ever considered the promise of                I Corinthians 10:13?

     "No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be  tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make a way of escape, that you may be able to bear it."

From this verse we can make at least three observations about every crisis that you face:

1. You are not alone. Although it may feel like you are the only one facing the problem, you are not.
2. God is faithful. People may have abandoned you, but God is with you and for you, rain or shine.
3. God will show you a way out of this. In fact, He is the the Way out. (John 14:6)   

If you feel your back is against the wall today, take heart, there's a way out. His Name is Jesus.

Blessings,

Dave