March 9:   Keep Me from Temptation

“And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one” (Luke 11:4). Does this verse mean that God might steer us into temptation against our will? Absolutely not! It means we are to ask God for wisdom so we won’t put ourselves into situations that cause us to compromise our relationship with Him. Some of us set ourselves up for trouble, then ask God to deliver us.

God is saying, “When you come before me, ask for strength and wisdom to make good decisions and to avoid bad decisions and places that tempt you to sin.” Before His arrest and crucifixion, Jesus asked Peter, James and John to stay with Him while He prayed in the garden of Gethsemane. But the disciples fell asleep. “Could you men not keep watch with me for one hour?” [Jesus] asked Peter. “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing but the body is weak” (Matthew 26:40-41). Jesus knew that although he claimed he would die with Jesus; Peter was about to deny Him. He told Peter to remain alert and pray. Jesus encourages this same watchfulness and prayer when He teaches us to pray, “Do not lead us into temptation.” We must be alert to the temptation and weakness that threaten our relationship with God and our testimony for Him-things Satan will exploit to cause us to stumble. Then we pray that God will keep us from succumbing to them. Note: It is wise to be watching and praying as we go about our daily schedules. It assures us of freedom from temptations.

Let’s pray: Father, please keep me far from temptation. Show me how to put on your armor so I can stand against all the devil’s schemes. I want to stand strong in you, in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Today’s reading: Deuteronomy 8 – 10; Mark 11: 19-33

God Does Not Tempt Anybody.