Temptation

Temptation is all around us. It's unavoidable the moment our feet touch the floor in the morning to the end of the day when we fall back into bed wearied from the day.

Temptation can come from various sources like the media, a conversation at work or some stranger passing you by on the sidewalk. Even on the best days, a sinful memory could suddenly bubble up in your mind and send you spinning back to the past. But God never tempts His people. Our flesh, the world and the devil are the instigators of temptation.

When we think of temptation we generally know what makes us weak and want to give in to sin. It can be overeating, anger, or gossiping. Temptation is very personal to the individual. What may tempt you may not be something I find desirable to partake.

Still temptation for many can be a fearful experience. Temptation is much like a border crossing. Your heart shifts with a glance of your eyes in a wrong direction. Soon your feet follow in a movement away from what you know is right. You inch closer to the line the Lord has clearly drawn and prohibited you from crossing.

I remember one particular temptation that in times past literally made me shake with a mixture of fear and anticipation. It could be a hot August day and my knees would shake and my stomach became twisted into a tight knot. My mind was inflamed by what was behind particular closed doors. I'd already crossed the line by not fleeing temptation and running to Christ for help. I took it upon myself to figure it out. Somehow I'd manage and cope with this deep inward yearning to do wrong. Time after time, I'd fallen flat on my face.

God does not want us to fear temptation. Rather, we must learn to fear the Lord. Psalms 19:9 says, "The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. "

Nothing brings us back to our senses and to right thinking when we genuinely ask the Lord to help us fear Him. When we fear the Lord - in awe and reverence - we realize our smallness and His greatness to deliver us. And when we fear Him, there is a growing hatred toward sin and a longing to be holy like Christ.

Don't fear my beloved, God pours out a supernatural grace so you can truly love and fear Him. You will overcome!