For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. – Hebrews 4:15-16
There is a universal, everyday occurrence that is impossible for you and I to avoid: we will be tempted. Sometimes this will strike suddenly, and other times it will swell slowly, but there is never any time we are insulated from its inevitable presence in our lives. Sin always beckons, offering a persuading argument and an appealing promise for what we will gain if we give in and give up. Though it may deliver a temporary sweet taste, the lasting bitterness of sin will always soon follow. Still, it proves to be such a powerful adversary with such a powerful attraction that it is irresistible to us and impossible for us to withstand on our own. But praise God we are not alone! God sent Jesus Who “in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.” We can go confidently to Him for help when we are tempted because Jesus understands our struggles, Jesus atoned for our sin, and Jesus offers us merciful and gracious deliverance in our time of need. For those who are trusting in Him, there is pardon for sin so that we bear it no more, and there is power available so we bow to it no more. Today there will be a tug-of-war for control of your thoughts, feelings, motives, attitudes, words and actions, pulling you in the opposing directions of what sin entices you into and what God invites you into. The enemy wants you to give in to a life of little or no thought of God and His ways, and give up on all the wonderful things that God has for you in Jesus. But you do not have to give in or give up! Look to Jesus for help and look for His help to arrive as a way to leave the temptation, the power to stay and say “no” to the temptation, a divine change in circumstances that removes the temptation, the arrival of someone He sends to help you through the temptation, and / or a promise of something worth waiting for that is better than the temptation. Never lose sight of this truth: You are never helpless against temptation as long as there is a throne of grace for you to run to for help.
