Several years ago, Joseph Heller wrote a popular novel whose title coined a
new catch phrase for the American people. It was called "Catch 22". In
this novel, Heller describes a WWII Air Force bombardier who wants to quit
the war but can't because of a bureaucratic trap he calls "Catch 22". This
fictional military regulation stipulates that you don't have to fight if
you're insane, but since wanting to live is normal, asking for a discharge
means that you are sane and therefore you must stay. The term Catch 22 now
refers to any arbitrary regulation by which those who are regulated cannot
win.
For the believer we are regulated to follow God's Word, despite living in a
sinful world. Therefore, when temptation comes our way, you and I are not
caught in a Catch 22 situation. God has promised us in 1 Corinthians
10:13:
"No temptation has overtaken you, but such as is common to man; and God is
faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able,
but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also so that you
will be able to endure it."
For each of us, when we face our greatest temptation, we are not in a
"Catch 22".
