A Prayer About Temptation
No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. 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 stand up under it. 1 Corinthians 10:13
Lord Jesus, as you know, this was one of the very first verses I memorized back in the summer of 1968 as someone who had only known you for a few months. It was profoundly sobering and richly encouraging then, and a little over four decades later, it’s still the same.
The sobering part is the seizing power of temptation. It would be one thing if temptation came like junk mail, quite easy to recognize, ignore and discard. But at times temptation comes with such enticing, alluring and promissory power that “standing up under it” doesn’t appear possible. I would surely despair and question the reality of my faith if I did not have the assurance that temptation itself is not sin (James 1:13-15). Jesus, the very fact that you suffered the full fury of temptation also give me hope and keeps me sane.
The encouraging, and timely, parts of this verse, Jesus, are the “commonality” of every temptation and the promise of a “way out” of any temptation. This assures me that no matter how dark, foolish or destructive of things that enter my mind, such temptations are not unique to me. Such temptations are common to other believers, just like me. I’m not terrible because I’m tempted, but I am tempted to do terrible things.
Jesus, the promises of bearable temptations and an escape from giving into any temptation are also incredibly encouraging, and oh so very timely. So Jesus, for me, and for my many friends who engage in this daily prayer journey with me, bring the hope and resources of the gospel to bear at the very places we feel the raging power of temptation the most.
Whether are temptations are of a sexual, financial, vengeful, self-destructive, murderous, despairing, vain-full, fear-full, pride-full nature… or whatever… it makes no difference-show us the way of escape, and give us strength to choose that way. Jesus give us enough grace in this very day to prove your faithfulness and to keep ourselves free from acting out in ways we will surely regret. So very amen, we pray, Jesus, in your all sufficient Name.