Temptation

Lord, lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. There is no doubt about it: temptation is waiting around every corner.

I am reminded of Genesis 4:7 "If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it." God said this to Cain when he became angry because of God's favoring of Able's sacrifice. God wanted Cain to realize that he should continue to strive to do right because he will be accepted.

God accepts us as children of God, but this acceptance does not mean that we are exempt from temptation. We must still do what is right in the midst of temptation. It is a choice that we must make. It is a small choice to resist temptation when it comes. And the temptation will pass. Remember that "when the devil had finished all this tempting (of Jesus), he left him until an opportune time" (Luke 4:13). He will leave.

Be encouraged that, by the power of God, we are able to resist. Be encouraged today that God's presence will guide you through temptation. It will pass. God will again reign in your heart. Amen!