READING: Jeremiah 35-38, Hebrews 1-2
I am deeply grateful today that we can turn to Jesus in times of temptation. The writer of Hebrews reminds us that Jesus dealt with temptation Himself, and He is thus able to help us when we face our own temptations. He knows what temptation is; in fact, He surely suffered the full brunt of temptation (unlike we who too easily give in to temptation before we feel its force). All this He dealt with, yet without sin (Heb 4:15). The fact that He was victorious in temptation thus encourages us to run to Him when we face our own battles.
Why, then, do we so often fall into sin? Perhaps one reason is that we tend to fight temptation in our own strength, without relying on God or seeking His help in the midst of the tempting. When we should be running to God with urgency and need, we instead try to figure out ways to ward off the temptations. We lose the battles often—and then we turn to God. That’s backwards.
Christ who paid the penalty for our sin is also the one who strengthens us to fight the battle. Not only is He able to help us, but our ultimately victory is solely because of Him.
PRAYER: “Thank You, Father, for victory in Jesus.”
DAILY ACTION STEP: Run to Christ immediately today when you face temptation.
TOMORROW’S READING: Jeremiah 39-43, Hebrews 3:1-4:13