Once a ship was passing through the Straits of Magellan, location of the notorious Cape Horn to the south of South America. Passage through these Straits can be very dangerous because of rocks and extreme weather conditions. Just as the ship was entering the Strait it was hailed by another that signalled; “Will-you-let-us-keep-you-company-going-through-the-Straits?” But the captain of the first ship was unhelpful, and replied, “If-you-do-not-know-the-way-out-you-have-no-business-going-in.”

At busy public places like stations, airports, halls, hotels and on motorways, we see the words “This way Out,’ or “Way out,” or perhaps “Exit.” These notices are for our convenience or for safety purposes, anywhere where large crowds or traffic have to be directed. These words are appropriate in life at times of difficulty or trouble. We know only too well how to get into trouble, and sometimes it happens without any help from us. But do we know the way of escape? As the captain of the ship said, if we don’t know how to get out of trouble we had no business getting into it in the first place.

A way to avoid trouble is along the LINE OF DETERMINED RESISTANCE. If we are tempted to do the wrong thing we must resist. Temptation may say “Others do it,” but we must answer, ” I will not.” A way out of trouble is along the LINE OF EARNEST PRAYER. God will show us the way if we ask Him. We shall hear a voice in our hearts which will say, “This is the way, walk you in it.” Another way out of trouble is along the LINE OF RIGHT ACTION. Remember the stories from history lessons about King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table? One story about him is that he promised all travellers along the roads in his kingdom protection against thieves and robbers. But only, he said, if they keep on the high roads. If they wandered over the moors, or strayed into forests or mountains, they would not be safe.

God says the same thing to us: “If you keep on the road of doing what is right, I will protect you. When we get into trouble, it’s great to know how to escape. The way out is along the LINE OF DETERMINED RESISTANCE, down the LINE OF EARNEST PRAYER, and follow the LINE OF RIGHT ACTION.

Have a good week. Pastor Ron

Optional Bible readings: Matthew 4:1-11; Matthew 6:5-15 and Romans 2:1-16.