Peter, James and John had fallen asleep in the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus, knowing that danger was imminent, woke them, warning: “Keep watching and praying that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Mt.26:41).Jesus was being led by the Father, and disciples were being led by Jesus. They were about to endure their own sets of temptations. All but John fled the scene. Peter, given opportunity to confess Christ, denied him instead. Judas forsook Christ’s leading, betrayed him and then killed himself.We cannot avoid temptation. It is all around us, all the time. Jesus is instructing us to ask the Father to sustain us through the trials of this life. Every trial is either an opportunity to overcome evil unto righteousness, or an opportunity to fall into temptation unto sin.The devil is stalking you. He watches your every move as you take up your cross daily and follow Jesus. He is well aware that you are dead to self, dead to the world, and dead to sin…he wants you back!Though there be “no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus,” we still live in the accuser’s world. He is alive and active in every aspect of your life. He is the master of the counterfeit. When you reject self, and seek righteousness, he assures you that you can have both. His offer of a seemingly shinier spiritual life comes with the added bonus that no self-control is needed. Without self-control, every trial is a temptation.When we pray:“‘And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil” (Mt.6:13), we are asking for strength to endure unto the end.God has and will ever will deliver us—Be strong in His mighty power!John StaigerIf you have been blessed by this message, please feel free to: Like, Comment or Share it with your friends. (324)
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