PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Luke 22:39-46
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.” (Luke 22:46)
We all face temptations on a regular basis.
Satan is always sneaking up on us, trying to trip us up.
We are like soldiers advancing in enemy territory; always on the alert.
Or are we on alert… how many of us aggressively pray along the way?
We are urged many times to stay alert, to be on guard, to keep watch.
“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion
looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8)
When our guard is down, the enemy has the advantage.
He slips in with subtle teasers, or entices us with subtle compromises.
Little distracting and deceptive whispers, which we allow to linger in our minds.
The next thing we know, we find ourselves tricked, trapped and in a bad place.
God has not left us alone, we are equipped with the Spirit of Jesus at all times.
We are always with him, we can always talks with him, we can rely on his guidance.
But if we are not alert, paying attention or praying, how can we experience his help?
PRAYER
Lord, everyday is a battleground. But greater are you in me than the enemy that is in the world. Help me to keep talking to you as I go through my day, that I may see the enemy as he approaches.
Lord what did you mean to “pray that you will not fall into temptation”?
Does it mean to pray specifically against temptation? Or will spending my time immersed in the Word and prayer protect me from whatever temptations lie ahead? Lord give me the wisdom to know to do both!
Praying is work. Jesus knew that when we are exhausted from our sorrows, we are most vulnerable to temptation
Jesus faced the strongest temptation yet – he could have withdrawn and not go through with it. So Jesus prays earnestly – he expresses his heart’s desire which is to be relieved of his mission to be sacrificed on the cross – he challenges you and I do to the same: “pray so that you will not fall into temptation”. I know when we being tempted and taking steps to go through with it – the last thing I want to do is draw attention to it by praying – but it is exactly what I need to do to stop it – from allowing my thoughts to revel in wrong thinking and fantasizing. Jesus prayed so earnestly and intently – in 3 rounds. Out of it he moved forward to be arrested, humiliated and his body subjected to all kinds of pain. He endured because he prayed – he had to hold back the ‘legions’ and not let his ‘humanity’ seek the avoidance of pain. He endured. I need to endure – and it takes a connection through prayer to give me the strength to go on!
At all times I need to walk prayerfully with my Saviour. To meet the challenges of each day I need His presence. And He has promised that He is with us at all times. He has given His Spirit to lead and guide and encourage. Standing on the promises of God I am able to continue my journey of joy in His strength and power and presence. He will guide me always if I but trust Him to pilot me always.
In doubt and temptation I rest, Lord, in thee;
my hand is in thy hand, thou carest for me;
my soul with thy counsel through life thou wilt guide,
and afterward make me in glory abide.
Refrain:
My God, I will extol thee
and ever bless thy name;
each day will I give thanks to thee
and all thy praise proclaim.