For two weeks, we have seen the source of temptations—the Devil and men—as opposed to the belief that God is the architect of temptations.
But now it’s also important that we see the place of God in temptation. What is his role when men face temptation?
“There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”
—1 Corinthians 10:13 KJV
We see here, that temptation is commonplace to men. Men will always be tempted.
But take a look at God’s role! He will NOT suffer you to be tempted above what you can bear. This however, does not mean he sizes us up, brings our level of temptation to us and then sends that which is higher than us to another.
Furthermore, we see from the same scripture how he does it: by creating a way of escape; not so you can run away from the temptation, but so you may be able to bear the temptation (If this post were in the Psalms, this would be the point where you'd be told "Selah"—pause, and think calmly about this).
So, God’s role in temptation is salvation—to save the individual being tempted, by giving him the strength to surmount it.
And this is why when we pray, we are equipped to conquer temptation.
Note however that prayers do not stop temptation, neither do they move God to take it away. They work in us, and equip us to weather it.
“Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
—Matthew 26:41 KJV
The word "watch" connotes alertness. As we pray, we are ready to take on temptations. Prayer deals with the flesh—the weakness and desires found in it.
This is clear with Jesus.
“And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation. And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed, Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.”
—Luke 22:40-43 KJV
As he prayed, he was sustained to remain in the father's will, which is why he was born—to die for you and me.
When Jesus prayed, it did not take away the temptations before him, even that of “the cup passing from him”. You know what it did? It strengthened him to overcome it. The same happens to us when we pray.
I hear people say that the pandemic is God’s doing, and they beseech the same God to take it away.
But if God is the source of temptations, can you really pray it away?
Go achieve.
Diariesofhopelive@gmail.com
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