Lead Us Not Into Temptation

If you have ever taken a young child to the supermarket, it can be challenging, to say the least, especially when you go down the candy aisle! Sometimes, kids throw temper tantrums because a particular item was not put in the cart. A seasoned parent will avoid certain sections of the supermarket for this reason.


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Likewise, we must request God's help daily to avoid specific aisles because we like to reach for things we shouldn't have!  For example, ask God to help you avoid things that will get you into trouble, like the bar, club, or an immoral environment that puts you in a position to compromise your convictions.
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 Also, understanding that Matthew 6:13a, "Lead Us Not Into Temptation…" does not mean God tempts us is essential. He doesn't tempt anyone; rather, He desires to protect us from it. James 1:13 says, "Let no one say when he is tempted, 'I am being tempted by God,' for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one."
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 God's leadership of your life, explained in this verse, also applies to your trials.

The same principle of asking for God's covering is applicable. If you do this, you can trust that God will give you the strength to make it through your valley.
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So, what aisles do you need to dodge? What temptations does the Lord need to lead you away from today? What trials do you need God's leading for? Stop being naive or prideful and ask for your Heavenly Father's help.
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Pray and remember these two verses:
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For Temptations: "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." (First Corinthians 10:13)
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For Trials: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance." (James 1:2-3)