1 Corinthians 10:13 English Standard Version (ESV) No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

Yesterday’s devotion was a warning against wasting time over seeking knowledge that draws us away from God’s will for us. The reason I gave that warning is because it happened to me. The temptation to know things that are hidden from our sight may happen to others. I am no different and if it could happen to me, it might happen to others.

The important thing to understand here is that God is faithful. When we get distracted from our relationship with Him, He knows how to draw us back into relationship. How He does that will begin with a gentle nudge. If we persist He will step up the pressure to return to Him. If we allow it to get out of hand, then we may find ourselves in the realm of chastening.

As a child of ten I went to play with a friend. My grandmother was visiting and watching over me while my mother was out shopping and I lied to my grandmother about where I was going. When my mother got home she check on me and found I was not where I said I would be. Mom sent out a search party and they found me doing something extremely dangerous.

My punishment was not for doing something dangerous, it was for lying to my grandmother. It was the worst beating I ever got and the last. She put the fear of mother in me.

I tell that tale as a warning that we should not place God in a position of sending out a search party to haul us back into relationship. Do not tempt God to put the fear of God in us. Appreciate the loving relationship.