A Prayer about Temptation
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 Cor. 10:13)
Faithful Jesus, as you know, this was one of the very first verses I memorized back in the summer of 1968 as someone who had known you only a few months. It was timely and encouraging then, and a little over four decades later, it’s still the same. The seizing power of temptation is just as real to a sixty-year-old as to an eighteen year old.
It would be one thing if temptation came like junk mail, quite easy to recognize, ignore, and discard. But at times temptation comes with such enticing, alluring, and promissory power that “standing up under it” doesn’t appear possible. I would despair and question the reality of my faith if I didn’t have the assurance that temptation itself is not sin (James 1:13–15). Jesus, the very fact that you suffered the full fury of temptation also gives me hope and keeps me sane.
The encouraging and timely parts of this verse, Jesus, are the commonality of every temptation and the promise of a way out of any temptation. This assures me that no matter how dark, foolish, or destructive are the things that enter my mind, such temptations are not unique to me. Such temptations are common to other believers, just like me. I’m not terrible because I’m tempted, but I am tempted to do terrible things.
Jesus, I ask for myself and for a host of friends, bring the hope and resources of the gospel to bear at the very places we feel the seducing power of temptation the most. Whether our temptations are sexual, financial, relational, or alcohol or drug related, it makes no difference— show us the way of escape, and give us strength to choose that way. Jesus, give us enough grace in this very day to prove your faithfulness and to keep ourselves free from acting out in ways we will surely regret. We pray, Jesus, in your all-sufficient name.
Amen.