We seem to pray for God’s protection pretty often. We holler
for help when we are afraid of sudden dangers, worried about possible dangers,
or stressing about horrors that may or may not happen to us.
- What if a driver pulls out in front of us suddenly – or slams on the breaks without warning?
- Maybe we pray when we wait for medical test results, identifying or ruling out a scary disease.
- How about if a teen doesn’t show up at the appointed curfew, late at night?
- We might ask for God’s help, if a noisy dog runs across the path, while we’re out walking alone.
Certainly, we pray for divine assistance when we find
ourselves in a scary area of town, surrounded by sinister looking strangers.
But what about
temptation?
Do we ever forget how dangerous temptation can be? I know I
do – all too often.
What is so dangerous about temptation?
For anyone seeking to follow Christ and live under God’s
blessing, isn’t temptation sort of like a fork in the road? Doesn’t it present
us with the option of going God’s way or another?
What is the result of such a decision? And what if we miss this alarm, while we still have a chance to make another choice?
Jesus prayed, “Lead us not into temptation.”
What is the result of such a decision? And what if we miss this alarm, while we still have a chance to make another choice?
Jesus prayed, “Lead us not into temptation.”
OK, we know He did not succumb to it. But He surely knew we’d
fight such battles. So He modeled the prayer.
How we need
supernatural protection, strength, and power to resist temptation at every
turn.
Temptations may start with things that are not inherently
evil, but become harmful by overdoing. What temptations taunt you the most?
What are the toughest desires to control?
Maybe it’s food overindulgence, drinking to excess, gossip,
illicit sex, overspending, a chemical addiction, or something else.
He is able. We just gotta ask – and hold on for the answer. Nope,
it’s never easy. But He is there.
“So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful
that you don’t fall! No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to
mankind. 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 endure it.” (1 Corinthians 10:12-13, NIV)
“For since He Himself was tempted in that which He
has suffered, He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted.”
(Hebrews 2:18, NASB)
“This High Priest of ours understands our
weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin.”
(Hebrews 4:14, NLT)
Guard us, God. Lead us not into temptation, and keep us safe
when we wander too close to the edge on our own.
Image/s:
Lord’s Prayer graphic
Created by this user
Lingering line by line
on the Lord’s Prayer graphic
created by this user
with vintage/public domain artwork
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Well done.
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