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And lead us not into temptation.



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.”

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.

“Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Matthew 26:41, NIV)

“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.

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