June 10

No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, that you may be able to endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13.

I am indebted to Norman Grubb and his wonderful text “The Law of Faith.” He discusses temptation, not from the usual perspective of how it may defeat us, but from the perspective that temptation has beneficial effects. You may be tempted to laugh, but Norman is serious.

He explains that temptations mastered are the ‘high road to stabilization of character and spiritual progress’. Consider the following truths:
-Temptaions always touch our vulnerable point. That is their chief use, as well as their great danger.
-Temptations reveal our condition. We draw the temptations to ourselves.
-They force a choice. They reveal the battleground so that we may become conquerors.
-Victory over temptation, through Christ, shapes us for the next opportunity for the Lord to use us.

Lord, we need not pray for more temptations. They just come in the normal walk of life. But we can face them with the full assurance that we will be forever changed when we take the escape provided by Jesus. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for this day of triumph that You have prepared for me. Amen.
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