This passage
is quite familiar to many of us, especially the last two verses. I have always read it as instruction for me
and others who struggle with temptation (! – who would that not include?). It certainly is that, but as I read it again,
I began looking at it and asking, “What is it telling me about God? As I studied these verses, it seemed that the
biggest theme that stood out is the faithfulness of God. Until now, I would have never thought of this
portion of scripture as one of the top 5 on the faithfulness of God, but He
helped me see the words in a new way, as I focused on Him and who He is.
How does His
faithfulness show up in this reading?
·
He
used what happened to His chosen people in the wilderness of what not to
do, as an example for us, His people today, that we wouldn’t crave evil things. Even though He guided them, protected them,
fed them, the Israelites chose sin rather than Him, leading them away from His
protective path. In being faithful, God warns
us to pay attention to their choices and the resulting consequences (vs 11).
·
He
will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we can endure (vs 13). We are all tempted in similar ways (No
temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man, vs 13a). Since God knows this, He faithfully walks
with us, showing us steps we can take to navigate through temptation (as in
getting safely through a mine-field).
·
He
will provide the escape route that will allow us to withstand the temptation
(vs 13). We just need to follow the
route to stay on His path.
“OK,“ you
may be saying, “that sounds good, but how does he really help me in temptation?” Part of it is trusting His faithfulness to do
what He says He will do – believing Him when He says it. Suppose I am walking down the street, and I
notice a wonderful chocolate shop.
Chocolate is my favorite thing in the whole world! There are signs in
the window announcing a big sale. I am
tempted to go in and buy “a little something,” knowing in the back of my mind I
have decided before God to lay off the goodies for 3 months.
How will I
resist? God, please help! I am trusting that You will keep Your promise
to help me withstand this temptation. Just
then, the Israelites’ example of disobedience floats through my head, and I
remember I have choices I can make – I pay attention to them. One way is my way, the other, God’s
highway. I look further down the
sidewalk, past the chocolate shop, and envision Jesus standing with His hand
held out to me, beckoning me to come to Him.
I walk past the temptation, and take His hand. Just then, I hear someone call my name. I see my good friend, Alice, waving at me from
across the street. I cross over to hug
her, now totally out of harm’s way. All
part of God’s provision, His escape route?
I would say so.
Thank You, Lord for Your great
faithfulness in this area of temptation.
I praise You for how You provide all that I need for living the life You
have called me to. Continue to remind me
that I always have a choice to make as temptations come my way…live for you or
for self. And, God, today I choose You.
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