Temptation
Temptation… the very word makes us uneasy. There is an inherent uncertainty that comes with temptation. Will we, like so many, succumb to its charm? Can we cling to God like Job and declare: “Shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil?” (Job 2:10)
As unpredictable as temptation may be, we need not fear the act itself. Afterall, temptation is merely a question, a suggestion that tickles our fancy. It is not foreign to any of us, nor is it unbeatable. 1 Corinthians 10:13 reminds us: “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and He will not let you be tempted beyond your strength, but with the temptation will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”
Could Eve have handled her temptation better? All of creation wishes she had; however, falling for temptation is what makes grace so necessary and so very precious. We will all be tempted, and history will remember our reaction. We can succumb, or we turn and flee to God. The choice, once again, is ours to make and ours to deal with, but we do not have to fight alone. When we are tempted, let us flee to the safety of God’s never-changing words of guidance. His truth will fight any lie. His strength will embolden us to stand firm. After all, we are God’s servants and His children. Our desire should always be/must always be to honor Him with every decision we make.
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