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 Cor. 10:13Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deut. 31:6
Faithful Lord Jesus, as you know, this was one of the very first verses I memorized back in the summer of 1968, just months after coming to know you. It was an important and hope-filled Scripture then, and a little over four decades later, the same holds true. The enticing and seizing power of temptation is just as real in my early sixties as it was in my late teens.
It would be one thing if temptation came like junk mail—easy to recognize, ignore, and discard; but at times temptation comes with such enticing, alluring, and promissory power that “standing up under it” isn’t very easy. I would despair and question the reality of my faith if I didn’t have the assurance that temptation itself is not sin (James 1:13-15). Jesus, the very fact that you suffered the full fury of temptation gives me hope and keeps me wise.
The encouraging and timely parts of this verse are the “commonality” of every temptation and the promise of a “way out” of any temptation. This assures me that whenever dark, foolish, or destructive thoughts enter my mind, such temptations are not unique to me. I’m not alone. Such temptations are common to other believers, just like me. I’m not terrible because I’m tempted, I’m just tempted to do terrible things.
Lord Jesus, I ask for myself and for a host of friends, bring the hope and resources of the gospel to bear at the very place the seducing power of temptation rears its ugly head. Whether our temptations are Technicolor or seemingly “harmless”—sexual, vengeful, financial, or self-righteousness; whether we are tempted to medicate with alcohol or drugs, religion or goodness, sugar or purging, it makes no difference—show us the way of escape, and give us strength to choose that way.
Give us enough grace in this very day to prove your faithfulness and to keep ourselves free from acting out in ways we will surely regret. Our peace, our great peace is in knowing that you are our righteousness, Jesus. So very Amen we pray, in your all-sufficient and loving name.
