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Lenten Devotional

March 13, 2018

All Day

Category: Adult Education

1 Corinthians 10:6-13

Temptation

What is the Apostle Paul trying to teach us with these verses? What are we to learn? The answer, brothers and sisters, is that we are to TRUST God, and believe in him. When we are tempted, God will help.

These verses are about Paul writing to us concerning what happened to the Israelites. He reminds us how they were all members of a chosen people, allowed to experience the same things – God’s deliverance through the sea, spiritual food and spiritual drink. Yet God was not always pleased with most of them.

This is an example for us. Many things test our faith.

When we think about it, the Israelites’ problem was not simply sin, but a lack of trust. We all know God exists, but many times we all think we know ourselves better than God does. How often are we tempted to want more or something different than what God has chosen for us? Many of us crave pleasure and abundance – a false religion. We trust God in our own way, but we sometimes do not trust where he is taking us. It is difficult to think that God will provide for our needs and desires. We are tempted to give up on God and take care of ourselves, when we should really be encouraging one another in the faith, and sharing the news of God's goodness and love.

How often do we expect God to jump through hoops, just so we can see for sure that he is there for us? The Israelites complained about Moses, about the Promised Land, about the food, etc.  They (and many times we too, brothers and sisters) did not give thanks for what God provided, or trust in his judgment. Yes, I think I can do better on my own.... NOT!

God knows where we are, and what each of us faces. God knows what traps the devil lays for us and what troubles cause us pain and fear. We are never out of God's sight. What a marvelous promise! Our lives are not out of control. We may think they are, but it is not so. God will help us, and he is our salvation.

Temptations do occur in our lives. But as Martin Luther told us: “You may not be able to keep the birds from flying over your head, but you can keep them from making a nest in your hair.”

God will help us endure and also provide an escape from temptation. Trust in the Lord with all your heart … He will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Peace be in your lives.

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