Defeating Temptation with Prayer

TODAY'S BIBLE READING:

Exodus 29:1-30:10 

Matthew 26:14-46 

Psalm 31:19-24 

Proverbs 8:14-26

BIBLE VERSE(S) FOR TODAY:

Psalm 31:24 "

So be strong and courageous, all you who put your hope in the LORD!"

REFLECTIONS ON TODAY'S BIBLE VERSE(S):

In Matthew 26, the reader has the luxury of knowing how the story plays out. We already know of Judas' betrayal before it happens. We know of Peter's denial before he did it.

So, when Peter tells Jesus that he would follow Him even until death (Matthew 26:33-35), we know that his words were superficial. They show the intention of his heart but they lack the passion and spiritual strength required to carry them out.

After Peter's confession, Jesus takes his disciples out to the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus tells Peter where He can get the spiritual strength and passion required to say no to the temptation that awaited him. Listen to what He tells Peter.

"Then he returned to the disciples and found them asleep. He said to Peter, 'Couldn’t you watch with me even one hour?   Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!'" (Matthew 26:40-41)

Did you get that? Our spirit desires to follow the Lord but our fleshly nature just can't do it.

What is the answer? What are we to do?

Pray!

"Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation."

Prayer is where our passion is fanned into flame. Prayer is where we tap into the spiritual strength available to every follower of Jesus.

But, we know what happened in the Garden. Peter didn't pray and so he fell to temptation and denied the Lord he loved.

There is a powerful principle hear. Do you want victory over temptation? Do you want to become more like Jesus?

While there are many biblical principles that come into play to help us attain a greater degree of Christlikeness, the most important activity is prayer.

It's that simple.

"Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation."

Will you find time to prayer today? If you do, there will be temptations that would have defeated you that will fall before you.

So, pray!