This particular verse can be confusing-

“And do not lead us into temptation but deliver us from the evil one.” (Matt 6:13)

We know God would not tempt us to sin or lead us into temptation as we think of temptation (James 1:13)

Remember, we read the Word with the Word and James 1:13 says, “Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone.”

The word temptation here actually has more the meaning of “test”, and the disciples who heard Jesus give this instruction, would have surely known their flesh well enough to not to want to be tested by God.

And there is no test that will come our way that is too hard for us when we choose to walk with God in obedience through it.

I Cor 10:13 says, “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God [is] faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear [it].”

So as we pray in this manner, we live it out by not willfully walking into an area of weakness (or temptation) ourselves. To do so, would be praying for one thing and foolishly doing the opposite.

Like me, you probably know what your areas of weakness are. So avoid those situations! Because you know who else knows what your areas of weakness are? Your enemy and mine—Satan.

But sometimes, God does allow hard circumstances and tests to come into our lives for a greater glory. We can’t help but think of Job.

And just like with Job, and even better than for Job, because we have the Holy Spirit living inside us 24/7, God will certainly deliver us from the evil one. He will always make a way out.

Remember, the one who tempts us to sin and walk away from God and who has come to rob, kill and destroy (John 10:10) is absolutely no match for our God. Because, our Father’s Kingdom “is the kingdom and the power and glory forever”! (Matt 6:13)

And His Word and daily prayer are our weapons to walk in peace.

What a Savior!

readMatthew

pray

peace

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