Deliver Us From Evil
Part of my morning routine includes slowly and thoughtfully praying the prayer Jesus taught us to pray. As I pray, the Lord brings to my mind people and circumstances. At times, parts of the Lord’s prayer take on special significance in my life. That was the case this morning as I recited the words, “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.”
The word translated temptation is the Greek word “pierasmos.” In the New Testament, this word is translated as either “temptation” or “trial.” And, of course, these two words are clearly connected. Temptations are trials, and trials lead to temptations.
In the case of the Lord’s prayer, we are asking God to deliver us from difficulties and pain. But if you have walked with the Lord for any amount of time, you know that is not always the case. So, why did Jesus bother to include this plea as a part of the prayer he taught us to pray? I think it’s because it’s a way of saying to God, “I’m not that strong. I worry that I don’t have what it takes to weather life’s storms.”
It’s a funny thing, but I deal a whole lot better with imagined trials than I do with the real thing. I have a lot of confidence in my abilities when I’m not suffering, but not so much when I’m in the midst of the fire.
I will tell you frankly that I am a better servant of Christ today because of some of the painful trials I’ve experienced. I would not possess half of the character or awareness of God’s Spirit at work around me had I not endured some difficult times when I clung to God, often in hopeless, helpless faith. I know that sounds like an oxymoron, and it is, but believe me, it’s true.
Personally, I don’t ever want to experience another painful trial for the rest of my life. But I know I will. Jesus promises his disciples that in this world, they can expect to encounter trials. But he also encourages us, saying that we can cheer up because he has overcome the pain and heartaches of this world, and through our faith in him, we can too.
If you are in the midst of a painful time, you probably feel pretty weak and worthless right now as a follower of Jesus. Defeated and beaten. Believe me, I get it. Been there. But never forget the promise of Jesus to Peter before his denial and falling away: “I have prayed for you,” he told Peter, “that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, you will strengthen your brothers.”
Your Lord is interceding for you right now before the Father’s throne. You are going to make it! And after you do, you will be there for others who need the support of their brothers and sisters in Christ.
In Christ,
Dan
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