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Jesus knew temptation would be a battle for us, which is why he included this in the Lord’s Prayer: “Don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one” (Matthew 6:13, NLT). But what does that rescue actually look like?
Paul gives us some insight in 1 Corinthians 10:13. He reminds us that the temptations we face aren’t unique to us, and that God is faithful. He won’t let us face more than we can endure, and when temptation comes, God promises to equip us with the tools we need to overcome the temptation.
Paul reminds us that we aren’t the only ones who struggle with temptation. Satan wants us to feel isolated, like we’ve messed up too many times or too egregiously to deserve trust, love, or friendship. But God’s Word reminds us that we’re human, we’re his children, and we’re not alone in the fight. And God promises that when temptation comes, he will provide a way out. But sometimes we assume that way out will come in the moment of temptation, when really, the rescue might start today.
Maybe it’s getting rid of the alcohol, deleting the app, changing your routine, or finally telling someone what you’ve been hiding. God is faithful to provide a way out, but sometimes we have to be willing to take it. So ask yourself: What can I do today that will make it harder for me to fall tomorrow? Maybe that decision is the way out you’ve been praying for. Maybe today is the rescue.
Pray: God, I need to bring my temptation into the light. I'm not the only one fighting it—you’re fighting with me, and you're faithful to give me a way out. Show me the one thing I can do today, while I'm strong, that makes it harder to fall tomorrow. Amen.