“Get us out of the jam.” Those were the words of my coach as he handed me the ball, our team leading 8-0. It was my first appearance at the varsity level. I was a freshman. The bases were loaded. The guy at the plate for them was huge.

A pitch or two later, he was back at the mound. “I got you out of the jam,” I said, referencing the grand slam I had just surrendered.

I hadn’t seen the danger of hanging a curveball to a large, varsity hitter. I needed a warning. I needed someone to save me from my foolishness. Unfortunately, I learned the hard way. Thankfully, I had time to redeem myself. Some guys aren’t as fortunate.

Proverbs 9:18–“…he does not know that the dead are there, that her guests are in the depths of Sheol.”

This verse references a young man who followed a sinful woman into her bedroom, thought their sexual tryst wouldn’t be a big issue, and never saw the consequences that awaited him. Maybe he was like me and that curveball. He just didn’t know how much trouble it could cause him. He needed someone to warn him, to save him. But it was too late.

There are things that can cost you in a big way. Things you probably don’t see right now. Things that might even seem innocent or fun or exhilarating. And that’s the problem. You don’t see it.

Take time today and pray. Pray the following, if it helps. Let God get you out of a jam before it begins.

Jesus, save me from sin.

Jesus, save me from this sin.

Jesus, save me from my sinful desires.

Jesus, save me from the people who draw me away from you.

Jesus, save me from consequences I ignore.

Jesus, save me from unwise decisions.

Jesus, save me from what my life would be without you.