Does it bring any comfort to you to know that your temptation is common? Honestly, I’m on the fence about this. I can sit around a table with friends and commiserate about our struggles with certain temptations but, does it give me any power to say “no” the next time around. Hmmmm.
Temptation is clearly common among other species too. I am seeing deer constantly this spring. They are playing and munching happily on the tender new growth in the farmer’s fields, and on our fruit trees for sure. They seem to have the same problem with temptation that I do.
Believe it or not, the word “temptation” is not just referring to dessert or cheating on income taxes. It is a test or proof of our faith, perhaps circumstances that God has allowed in our lives for the purpose of our growth (James 1:2). We can also experience a temptation to sin or dishonor God issued from our enemy, Satan. (Matthew 4:1) Our response, regardless of the source, will determine whether we are proving our faith and letting God’s light in us shine or whether we are sinning. Let me interject an additional truth to remember, God does not ever tempt us to sin. (James 1:13)
Whatever we are tempted with, for me it’s food but you may face the strongest urges to contact your closest 15 friends and share every juicy detail of a story you had just heard. It happens to all of humanity, every single one of us. It also happened to Jesus. (Hebrews 4:15) Yet, unlike me and you, He did not sin. He was able to face the temptation boldly and fearlessly. How is that possible? It seems rather impossible to me at times.
Answer:
God is faithful. He WILL not allow us to be tempted beyond what we are able to bear. Really? Really.
He WILL provide the way of escape also, so we can get through it. Without sin.
Do you know what that means? With the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives, we are able to lead a life free of sin.
We can not be made to sin. Do you realize that? We have to choose to sin. Not even Satan has the power to force us into sin. I’m taking a moment to just let that truth sink in. So, that nighttime pull toward the freezer for ice cream may have been a suggestion, but it wasn’t a command. There was another path available. The sink was actually nearby and water flows freely from the tap!
How do we access this power to redirect our thoughts and actions? Prayer. It’s that simple.
How to we stay steadfast to the convictions that God has impressed upon us and not be lead away into temptation? Trust. God said He WILL protect us. God said He WILL deliver us out of that tough spot. So did really mean that? You have to ask yourself, is He really God?
Finally, beyond the potential comfort in the fact that everyone faces temptation, we have an opportunity to help others succeed in turning away from temptation. Encourage and pray for others. Ask them to pray for you. Watch and learn from the example of those who have faced and denied temptation. It is possible, because of God, it is possible.