The Good News About Temptation预览

Truth #1: We Are Not Alone

In the thick of temptation, it’s easy for us to feel like we are the only person on the planet cutting through the jungle of evil thoughts and desires. Paul the Apostle consoled the Corinthian church with these words, “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind” (1 Corinthians 10:13).

The good news is we are not alone in our temptations!

All of our temptations are in fact common – ordinary, typical, or universal. Yet it is Satan – whom Jesus referred to as ‘the father of lies’ – who deceives us into thinking that our temptations are unique. Nothing could be further from the truth. Every human being is grappling with the same kind of evil thoughts and desires that we are, day in and day out. The danger in believing our temptations are unique, is that it can cause us to be swallowed up in a sea of shame, leading us to doubt God’s great love for us.

To top it off, we can be comforted knowing that while on earth, Jesus Himself wrestled with the exact same temptations we do! The only difference is that He never buckled under the pressure and said yes to sin, and that is what qualified Him to become the perfect sacrifice for our sins.

So take heart, your temptations are not unique and you are not alone, God is with you and He wants to help you.

Prayer:

God, thank you that I am not alone in my temptations, you are right here with me every step of the way. Please give me your power to say no when I am tempted; as well as the faith to believe that you do forgive me when I fail and say yes to temptation. Amen.