“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 10:13 NIV
The Scriptures teach that every one of us will occasionally be tempted to do the opposite of what God commands. The circumstances we face aren’t unique. Others have faced similar situations. We can prevent ourselves from becoming too hungry, angry, lonely or tired by eating regularly, experiencing God’s peace, fellowshipping with others, and getting enough rest. But where does the urge to sin come from? The source of temptation is the culture, the Devil, or something within us. The world wants us to join its sensual, selfish pursuits. Satan wants to turn us away from God. Our sin nature wants us to be in control, not the Lord. Does God ever tempt us? No. James 1:13 says our Father doesn’t want us to do evil. He will test us to reveal our motives and attitudes. He also uses times of testing to mature us and transform us into Christlikeness. His work is always for our good. Is it sinful to experience temptation? No. Feeling tempted isn’t the same as committing a sin. The Devil tempted Jesus at a time of great weariness and physical need when He spent 40 days in the desert without food. Let us not judge ourselves harshly when we feel tempted toward ungodliness. Only when we act upon it do we cross the line into sin. The Lord knows exactly how to rescue us in times of temptation. How good are you at responding to His direction?
PRAYER THOUGHT
Lord, thank you that You know how to rescue us when we are tempted.
PRAYER FOR TODAY
Lord, You know exactly how to rescue us in times of temptation. Thank You for always making a way out for us as we look to You in those moments of weakness. AMEN
INTERNATIONAL BIBLE READING ASSOCIATION (IBRA)
Matthew 12:1-21
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