Last Exit Before Toll

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. 1 Corinthians 10:13

For years, although I said I believed in the Bible, this verse rang hollow to me. So many times, as I felt the strong pull of temptation, I saw no way out, I felt I was sliding on a greased slide with no brakes.

I think the problem is that this promise does not apply to only the end part just before you slide into sin. It applies to the whole process.

In USA, when you see a sign like this

the highway looks similar to the rest of the highway before it. Even though the highway looks the same as before — same lots of lanes, same median divider, etc,  if you go past this exit, you’re stuck. You will have to pay the toll. 

American highways are nice enough to show you signs like this “last exit before toll”. But here in Malaysia, they don’t do that. The last exit before the toll looks just like any other exit:

Temptation is like that. No warnings. So we need to not entertain the temptation when it first comes. Don't enter the toll road in the first place. The problem about temptation is that it’s only a temptation if you like it in the first place. You can’t be tempted if you don’t desire it in the first place.

When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when by his own evil desires he is lured away and enticed. James 1:13-14

As Proverbs 7:21-23 points out:

So she seduced him with her pretty speech
and enticed him with her flattery.
He followed her at once,
like an ox going to the slaughter.
He was like a stag caught in a trap,
awaiting the arrow that would pierce its heart.
He was like a bird flying into a snare,
little knowing it would cost him his life.

So, there is a way of escape, but you must take the exit early. Before the “last exit before toll”.