Temptation

“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13)

We think that when temptations comes it’s proof that we are evil, and a failure. Nothing could be farther from the truth, and that is exactly what the enemy wants you to believe. Being tempted is not the problem – it’s what choice you make when one arises.

The Century Dictionary defines temptation is “The act of testing or trying; trial.” Trials have two outcomes:

Guilty or innocent.

We often jump right to pronouncing ourselves guilty!

The good news? We are declared innocent before God under the covering of Christ’s blood so don’t let the enemy convince you that you are guilty. We are not innocent on our own strength but only through His.

Want more good news? Christ lived on this planet in human form, and understands completely what it is like to be tested and tempted. He stands at the ready to help us through whatever we are facing, especially when we feel like we don’t have the strength to get to the other side of it.

“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:15-16)

His grace is sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:9) for you in these times of trial. We have an advocate that will be there to help us respond correctly when temptation comes. Notice I didn’t say “if” but “when” – our lives in these sinful bodies will always be filled with temptations, as it’s one of the tools God uses to sharpen us. It’s like a video game – one you master what you currently face you level up, and new ones come your way.

“Not to be tempted would mean that we were already so shameful that we would be beneath contempt.” (Oswald Chambers )

Also, I believe there are many things we view as temptations that are really ingrained habits that have nothing to do with the enemy. He knows we will fall into them all on our own and doesn’t need to actively tempt us any longer – we do it to ourselves.

For those habits we need to seek His grace and power to take hold and pull them out by the roots and replace them with new healthy habits.

Enter today with new eyes that are on the lookout for temptations and thoughts that will come your way that need to be cast down or pushed aside so that you are victorious in those trials. Each victory makes you stronger to face the next one.