That light. That carving. Canterbury Cathedral
The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.
1 Corinthians 10:13 NLT
Temptation is an inner compulsion to do something. I can control it, until I give in to it. Then I am subject to its consequences in ways that I wasn’t while only tempted. Temptation is never sin, but the physical fulfilment of temptation is. All of us are tempted, and all of us sin. The consequences vary in the degree to which they impact me and the world around me, yet each is equally offensive to God, and a denial of his grace. My long-term challenge is in identifying what’s temptation and then in resisting its allure.
Sin, those times when we’ve fallen to the allure of temptation, can be the reason for our despondency. I often feel I’ve failed God, myself and those who trust me. I do, of course, have the opportunity to confess and find forgiveness with God.
And scripture states that we are never tempted beyond what we can withstand.
Now, I’m not too sure about that, but only because I want in some way to blame God for my waywardness. The challenge is to look to God at the moment temptation sets in. The longer we gaze upon the apparent fruit from temptation, the harder it is to switch our gaze to the face of God.
The path that lies before us as we choose to deny sin and declare ourselves for God is not an easy road to walk. I remember on pilgrimage in Assisi climbing from the town up Mount Subasio to the Carceri in the afternoon sun. It was a metalled road, yet the incline and the heat combined to make the journey tiring and uncomfortable. Only as I kept focused upon the purpose of my journey was I able to keep going. The Carceri were the caves where Francis and his fellow friars met with God in contemplative prayer: a fitting end to any walk away from sin.
QUESTION
Is God’s promise sufficient for you?
PRAYER
I am a work in progress, Lord: help me to gaze on you today.
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