GOD PROVIDES US WITH A WAY OUT OF TEMPTATIONS

Today let’s choose to overcome our temptations with God’s strength and power, rather than with our own.

Eternal Perspectives               by Sally Bair

Temptations face us every day. TV ads tell us we won’t be popular, healthy, or fulfilled unless we buy their product. Stores position their candy and other enticing products near the checkout counter. Temptation also entices us toward immoral thoughts, words or actions. It shows itself on the movie screens and pages of bestsellers. It assaults our hearing in the form of negative and profane language.

Anything that steals our time away from following Jesus becomes a temptation. Jesus faced temptation in three forms. “For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.” (1 John 2:16) Because of Jesus’ ability to overcome the devil’s temptations at a time when our Lord was at His most vulnerable, hungry and tired after fasting for forty days, He knows how it is with us. “But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed.” (James 1:14)

However, His Word points us to a promise that helps us overcome any temptation, just as Jesus did.  “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13)

Every day we all face the same temptations. And every day we have a choice to take advantage of the way of escape God provides or fall into the enticement. And every day we decide whether to go God’s way or our own. We can choose to rely on our ability or God’s.

“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20-21)

If we choose to trust Him, laying hold of the power He offers, we too will overcome temptation.

Lord, thank You for Your faithfulness in keeping us from being tempted more than we’re able to stand. Show us Your way of escape even from the seemingly small temptations such as buying into enticing products or lifestyles, or doing so much we forget to spend time with You. In Jesus’ name, amen.