Living Free Every Day®
Today's Scripture
"For because He Himself [in His humanity] has suffered in being tempted (tested and tried), He is able [immediately] to run to the cry of (assist, relieve) those who are being tempted and tested and tried [and who therefore are being exposed to suffering]." Hebrews 2:18 AMP (suggested reading for this week: Luke 4:1-15)
Thoughts for Today
The account of the wilderness temptation (Luke 4), which we will be looking at the rest of the week, is a detailed exposition of what Jesus went through on one occasion, but it is important to remember that this is not all he went through. The passage specifically ends with the statement that Satan left him for a while and tempted him at a more opportune time.
Surely Peter tempted Jesus when advising him not to go the way of suffering. Jesus responded, "Get away from me, Satan!" Mark 8:33 Jesus was also tempted in the Garden when he struggled to obey his Father's will regarding going to the cross. Luke 22:39-46
We cannot know the daily extent of Jesus' temptation, but we can know that he was tempted and therefore can relate to what we go through.
Consider this
Jesus suffered the pain of temptation, but never yielded to it. Today's scripture tells us that he is so eager to help us resist temptation that he will run to us when we need help!
Are you struggling with temptation? Don't hesitate. Come to Jesus for help. As soon as you turn to him, he will run to you. He will help you resist the temptation. He doesn't want you to suffer. He doesn't want you to yield to the sin. He wants to help you. Reach out to him right now.
Prayer
Jesus, I need your help! I am in such a struggle with this temptation. I know you understand. I know you are my answer. Give me the strength to do what is right. In your name
These thoughts were drawn from
Crossroads: Choosing the Road to Sexual Purity by David E. Longacre. Crossroads deals with choosing the road to sexual purity and is suggested for use in support groups and Christian counseling.
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