Devotional
Overcoming Temptation
1 Corinthians 10:13 says “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”
God promises that when the troubles of the world overtake our hearts, He will guide us back to H is unending love. We all know the world is full of distractions that can mislead us, promising us the same fulfillment that we find in God.
However, nothing will ever satisfy our hearts the way that God’s grace does.
God does not think less of us when we struggle with temptation. He actually promised us that we would have worldly struggles. We see that in John 16:33. He knows that we will be caught up in the desires of our flesh, and He understands that we are going to succumb to those urges sometimes.
However, he also promises that He will not leave us to cripple to our shortcomings. He promises grace, love and faithfulness that will guide us out of our weakness. In God’s light, we are strong. We find the courage to combat our temptations and find peace in our suffering.
Although we may struggle, we will not do it alone. God cannot protect us from suffering, but He will protect us through it.
While Jesus was alone in the desert facing temptation from the devil, he experienced the same emotions we feel: fear, fatigue and weariness. He understood what it felt like to be told that He needed more than God’s grace. Jesus was our example that we can endure through the pain.
So, when you come face to face with temptation such as addiction, envy, greed, and pride, remember that Jesus went through it as well. God loved us enough to send His son as an example for the struggles we would endure on earth. And just as Jesus made it through those 40 days and nights, we too will overcome our impulses.
God will guide us through this Lenten season with the same kindness and extended compassion that he showed Jesus.
So as John 16:33 says, “Take heart!” Know that you are loved and held by God’s unending grace.
By Mia Spies, an HPU student with a double major in music and religion, and a minor in musical theater
