Matt 6:13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

First of all, let’s be reminded that the Lord does not tempt anyone. No temptation comes from the Lord. The Bible makes this clear in James 1:13-14 “Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am tempted by God’; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed.” A comedian named Flip Wilson who had a popular TV show when I was growing up was famous for saying “the devil made me do it.” Flip was not entirely correct. The devil does tempt people, but, it is also true that individuals are also drawn away by their own desires.

Temptation is something we all have to deal with. What does the word temptation cause you to think of? Is it something, someone or some place? The good news is God is able to deliver His children from the schemes of the devil. A great promise concerning temptation is found in 1 Cor 10:13 “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.” Praise the Lord! What a great God we serve!

I have also found one of the best ways to deal with temptation is to stay away from the people, places or things that cause us to stumble. Many of us grew up hearing the saying that went like this, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Where possible, I encourage you to stay far away from the people, places or things that tempt you. God will honor this decision and come alongside to help you live in victory over temptation.

Jesus faced temptation when He walked this earth and never sinned. He understands well what temptation feels like. The Bible tells us in Hebrews 4:15-16 “For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Jesus really does get us. He overcame temptation and will enable us to overcome it as well. I encourage you to go boldly into God’s throne room today knowing we serve a God who is able to deliver us from evil and anything else the devil throws our way.  

Tim