Temptation is one of life’s inevitable tests. But as believers, we are not left defenseless. In a shocking video, Jonathan Cahn shared a powerful personal example of this principle in action.
Early in his walk with God, he was leading a Bible study when a woman called, claiming she was about to commit suicide. When Cahn arrived, he quickly realized there was no immediate danger. The woman had set up an elaborate ruse, dressing up and putting out refreshments for him while playing a video about the story of Joseph and Potiphar’s wife as a twisted visual metaphor to tempt him.
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It was a moment fraught with danger. Cahn recognized immediately that this was a spiritual test—a situation where his response would determine whether he passed or failed. Rather than rationalizing or hesitating, he identified his way of escape: the door. “I’m leaving. I’m getting out of here,” he recalls thinking. Despite the woman’s resistance, Cahn acted decisively and removed himself from the situation. This was his God-provided escape, a tangible example of how divine guidance enables believers to endure temptation without succumbing.
The lesson is clear: the way to pass life’s tests is not by avoiding them altogether, but by actively seeking God’s way of escape and acting on it. Cahn reflects, “Whenever you’re being tempted, immediately look—where’s my exit? The way out of a test is not by trying to avoid it. The way is by passing it.”
Like Joseph, who fled Potiphar’s wife even at personal risk, believers must be proactive in pursuing holiness and obedience.
This principle extends beyond moments of personal temptation. Romans 5:3 teaches that we can rejoice in our trials, knowing they build perseverance, character and hope. James 1:2-4 echoes this, encouraging believers to “consider it pure joy…whenever you face trials of many kinds” because testing produces spiritual maturity.
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Cahn’s story is a reminder that God never leaves us without a way forward. Temptation, trials and tests are part of the believer’s journey, but they are not insurmountable. By identifying the exits God provides, choosing obedience and maintaining a spirit of joy and perseverance, we can pass every test placed before us. The trials we face are not punishments; they are opportunities to rise to higher ground in God, to demonstrate strength in Him and to fulfill our calling.
Abby Trivett is a writer and editor for Charisma Media and has a passion for sharing the gospel through the written word. She holds two degrees from Regent University, a B.A. in Communication with a concentration in Journalism and a Master of Arts in Journalism. She is the author of the upcoming book, The Power of Suddenly: Discover How God Can Change Everything in a Moment.
