It was such a lovely day, so I decided to take the dogs for a run. I loaded my three-year-old granddaughter into the stroller, gathered up the dogs, and away we went. As we were walking, Ade asked several times if we could go down to the lake. A grizzly had been sighted in that area a few weeks before, but there had been no further reports, so I agreed.

At the beach, I had a good look around but saw nothing, so I gave her the okay to head for the water. The dogs went with her. I sat myself down on a big log to watch. It was then that I looked over to my right and saw the grizzly approximately 200 feet away. It had just come out of some bushes and stood watching us.

It was downwind of us, so it had obviously smelled us, but had gone undetected by the dogs. I immediately told Ade that the grizzly bear was here and that she must come now!

Even though she did not see the bear, Ade responded quickly, though at any other time there would have been crying and an argument. The dogs came, too, even though I did not speak to them. The bear was still standing watching. I moved away at a steady but calm pace until the bear was out of sight, and then, I ran as fast as my legs would carry me!

We will not be heading to that area of the shore again this summer. The bear had obviously staked out its stomping ground, and not to flee would have been nothing short of foolish.

This encounter drew my thoughts to the following Scriptures:

2 Timothy 2:22 – Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. (NIV)

1 Corinthians 10:13 – No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. 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 stand up under it. (NIV)

When temptation sidles up beside us, if we want to move through the situation safely, we must flee as God instructs, and He will provide a way out. So, look for it, and take it.

Temptation, in whatever form it takes, is not something to trifle with — not if we value the pursuit of righteousness, faith, love, and peace.

So today, when we encounter the bear of temptation in our lives, may we each calmly but firmly and quickly put the truth of God's Word into action, and flee.

Prayer: Father God, in the face of temptation, thank You that You provide sound advice as to how to proceed the minute that we encounter it. Bless each of us with strength and determination to follow Your advice, that we might be safe from the danger of sin and all the consequences of it. In Christ's name, we pray. Amen.

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About the author:

Lynne Phipps <lynnephippsatlin@gmail.com>
Tawatinaw, Alberta, Canada
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