August 30, 2023 | Martin Luther – Day 21

 

“God does not permit those who have and believe His Word to be afflicted and tried beyond their powers. He is a faithful keeper of those who keep and observe His Word.”

Martin Luther

 

 

 

In other words, “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it” (1 Corinthians 10:13).

 

 

Some people read this and wonder why God seems to have so much faith in them. “If I am not tempted beyond my capacity to resist, why do I fail to resist so easily?” Drug addicts feel locked into an addiction they would love to be free of, just not as much as they long for the feeling of their next high. Porn addicts live in guilt at their inability to stop supporting it, yet their guilt is not great enough to stop them from indulging at their next opportunity.

 

 

This kind of temptation can be blamed for many of the things we have gotten ourselves addicted to. Though we wish to avoid it on the one hand, on the other we have our spiritual ears open to the devil’s whispers.

 

 

Though it can seem impossible at times, we must remind ourselves that God has promised us a way of escape. “For surely it is not angels that (Jesus) helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham. Therefore, he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted” (Hebrews 2:16-18).

 

 

Through His most unselfish sacrifice, Jesus has provided a way out from guilt and condemnation. Through the gift of forgiveness He won for us, we have only to put our full trust and hope in Him to free us from the temptations that shackle us.

 

 

When our temptations steer us towards those things that separate us from Christ, we must cling all the harder unto His shoulders. He has been tempted like we are and has formulated a plan for our escape, but we must trust in Him to show us the way.

 

 

Today, think about those things that tempt you away from your trust in the Savior and make strides to separate yourself from them through Word and deed.

 

 

Our Prayer: Heavenly Father, give us courage and strength to overcome those temptations that will surely come. Help us to keep our focus on You. Amen.