READ: James 1:1-18
Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. – James 1:12
The sixth petition begins with: “Do not lead us into temptation.” We do not pray: “Make sure that we are never tempted.” That is not possible until the Lord Jesus returns.
With the Ascension, the devil was cast down on the earth as the great deceiver (Rev. 12:9-12). We see his seductive power very strongly in our society as many turn away from God and surrender to a worldly life without Him (Phil. 3:18, 2 Pet. 2:2). We too are tempted to sin daily. So what are we requesting in this petition?
Simply put, we are asking for His guidance and protection. Father, do not surrender us to the great deceiver. Do not lead us into his power. Keep us standing. Make us persevere in faith. Guide us by Thy Word and Spirit. Help us so that we have a living faith that continues to expect all things from Thee alone, and does not want to participate in practices that do not abide by Thy revealed will, with which we would grieve the Spirit. We cannot do this ourselves, but only if Thou wilt strengthen, protect, and preserve us.
We have to distinguish between the trials that the Lord gives us to help us to make the right choices of faith and the temptations that the devil exerts on us to pressure us into making the wrong choices. God’s trials are meant to purify and strengthen us, and therefore should bring us joy.
May give God His Spirit that in His power we can resist the temptations of the devil and also endure God’s trials.
Do you recognize trials in your life?
Singing: Ps. 56:4