PRAYING LIKE JESUS DAY 17

JESUS PROVIDES A WAY OF ESCAPE

“Not only is Jesus praying for us, but he is constantly providing us ways to escape our temptations. He wants us to succeed because he loves us that much, and he wants good things for us.” - Pastor Kent Munsey

When we experience temptation, Jesus not only prays and intercedes for us; he also knows what it feels like to be tempted. He empathizes with us, and he even demonstrated during his time on earth what it looks like to walk through temptation without falling subject to sin and the enemy.

Jesus doesn’t stand in judgment of us when we are tempted.  He knows what it is like and has experienced the same kinds of temptation.  Because of this, he is in our corner, cheering us on, whispering, “You can do it! Take courage!” to our heart.

“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are--yet he did not sin” (Hebrews 4:15, NIV).

After Jesus was baptized, the Holy Spirit led him into the wilderness where he fasted and prayed. The devil came to him in his weakened state to tempt him. In Matthew 4:1-11, Jesus modeled for us how to resist temptation. He used the Word of God to combat the enemy. He fought temptation with the power and the truth of his heavenly Father. 

Because Jesus experienced temptation and resisted it, we can look to him for help when we are tempted.  We can follow his example and use the Word of God as a defense when we are tempted.  When we are struggling, meditating on verses about that issue can strengthen us.

We are not alone in our temptation; others have experienced the same difficulty.  And yet, no matter what it is, Paul encouraged us that it can be overcome.  God will provide a way out if we look for it.  A friend or leader may be able to help you identify that escape if you aren’t able to see it.

“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it” (1 Corinthians 10:13).

QUESTIONS FOR CONTEMPLATION

How are you being tempted right now, and how do you think Jesus would respond?

What has God already told you or promised you that you can use to combat the enemy?

PRAYER POINTS

• Pray that God would strengthen you to resist temptation and walk through the escape door when He opens it.
• Ask God to increase your trust in him to believe him to give you the desires of your heart, and to be willing to wait on him and his timing.
• Ask the Holy Spirit to bring the Word of God to your mind when you are tempted so that you can stand firm in your obedience.