“Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” (Matthew 6:13).
A question naturally follows as we pray this petition. Does God lead us into temptation? That doesn’t seem like something a good God who cares about us would do. It makes us uncomfortable.
The answer is both yes and no.
In Matthew 4:1, The Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted by the Devil. In Exodus 14, God leads Israel to the place where the Red Sea boxes in them on one side and the Egyptian army on the other. It depends on whether you read the word as “tempt” or “test.” God allows us to be tested, though He would never tempt us.
James said that we should rejoice that our faith is tested because it builds the character of Christ within us. Of course, he also said that God doesn’t tempt us—our desires do. Scripture calls that our “flesh,” or our sinful nature. The Bible also says that the Devil and the world are trying to draw us away.
The Apostle Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 10:12–13 that being tempted or tested is normal. He promises us that God will not test us beyond our ability and will supply us with a way out.
There are a couple of translations that may help us. The New Living Translation says, “Don’t let us yield to temptation but rescue us from the evil one.” On the other hand, The Message says, “Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil.”
So what are we saying when we pray, “Lead us not into temptation?”
In asking Heaven to come to Earth, we beg God to save us from ourselves and the evil one out to get us.
God will lead us away from situations where we might be tempted or tested beyond the grace He has given us. And when we do come to a time of testing (and we will have trouble “in this world,” John 16:33), we must trust in His wisdom and strength while we look for the escape He has promised.
Temptation comes in many forms.
The truth is, we are weak and subject to temptation. That’s why we have one another. While we are easily led astray by ourselves, we must be humble enough to believe that not only might God have to rescue us, but He may be using someone we know to do it.
An enemy is behind all of this, and he is out to kill, steal from us, and destroy (John 10:10). This is no religious game. Satan is actively roaming about like a lion, ready to devour (1 Peter 5:8), and we desperately need all the help we can get.
Yes, God leads us to temptations or times of testing. But also no, because He’s not leading us to those times but through them, using those situations to prove His power and strengthen our character. Hang on; this may be a bumpy ride.
We have a great God, you see. We have a heavenly Father. He’s in heaven, the throne room of the universe. His name is hallowed, and His kingdom is coming. As we are tested, He causes us to grow even as His coming kingdom grows in us.
Next week we will talk about delivering us from evil. May He keep you until then.
Please Pray: All those who have been in the path of fires and storms on the west coast and in Hawaii. May God grant safety and peace.
Please Pray For: Chris, and all those who struggle to forgive someone.
Please Pray For: Kathy, (Katie’s friend) and all her upcoming surgeries.
Please Pray: Which classroom “wins our support” in their fall raffle in two weeks. Pray also that we would be faithful throughout the school year in our support and encouragement to teachers, aides, students and families.
Please Pray For: all the kids and teachers who are returning to school
Please Pray For: the lost who are near us
Please Pray For: Kathy Duitsman, who has breast cancer.
Please Pray For: Lela Izzo, who has a broken hip.
Please Pray For: those who serve in this place as they enthusiastically tackle diverse ministries such as the altar guild, food pantry, and serving our local school.
Please Pray For: Julie, who is battling brain cancer and 4 additional tumors.
Please Pray For: Joy, who is receiving chemo treatments
Please Pray For: for those who are facing financial difficulties. Father, guide them in their search for employment and grant them the wisdom and resources they need to overcome their challenges.
Please Pray For: Keith and Kim, as they continue to seek God’s will.
Please Pray For: for William Izzo, that God would Strengthen him.
Please Thank God For: The health of all the other congregations that worship in our facilities.
Please Pray For: Tom Sheba, who is on a ventilator.
Please Pray For: Joe and his struggles with addiction
Please Pray For: Those who struggle with housing needs.
Please Pray For: all those who are out of work.
Please Pray For: Joshua, who has been moved to palliative care. Pray for peace and a knowledge of God’s mercy for him and those gathered around him in these final days.