JUN 8

1 Corinthians 10:13
Memorise Psalm 51:17
“Create in me a clean heart… renew a right spirit within me.”

When one reads today’s title, a related question comes to mind; “why does God allow temptation to come our way?” Understanding why God allows temptation can help us also understand how He looks upon us when we undergo temptation. 1 Peter 1:7 tells us that the trial of our faith, is much more precious than gold. The purpose of trying our faith is to build it up. God brings tests into our lives and when we overcome each test, our faith takes another step in growth. It is a long and often painful process, but it is well worth it because faith is more precious than gold or silver. Hence, God has our good in mind when He allows temptations. It is meant to help us, not cause us harm. Today’s bible verse tells us the temptations we face are “common to man”; meaning “such as human nature is liable to, and has been often subjected to” (Barnes). The passage continues by saying that “God is faithful”; God does not forsake us, but is instead watchful and continues to provide for us as we undergo trial. He does not allow testing to come needlessly. Nor does He leave us to our demise and destruction whenever we are tempted. Instead, we read that He plans with each temptation; a way of escape. Every temptation will be accompanied by a way for us to triumph over it. We need only to choose to take it. God does not allow temptation with no way of escape and then to watch us fail. Hence, every temptation we face is not a result of God forsaking us, but is instead evidence that He seeks to help us grow by His loving hand.

The trouble is, we often choose to succumb to temptation. We put up little to no fight when tempted. We do so little to stay away from anything that tempts us. And when we fall into sin, we suffer the consequences and end up murmuring against God as if it was His fault. That is our nature – sinful, wicked, and not willing to take responsibility for our actions. But God’s Word tells us clearly that He is faithful. He does not forsake us and the good news is every temptation has a way of escape. Ask God for strength and the will to resist temptation and take the escape that God provides, and may you experience what it means by the victorious Christian life!

Thought: Why do we blame God for our own mistakes?
Prayer: Lord please help us weak and sinful creatures to resist every sin.