May 8

God's Deliverance

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’ — Matt 6:13 BSB

Our Lord includes Himself in our prayer when He teaches us to say, “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” We recall how He was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted, and how He was tempted in every way just as we are, yet without sin. It is awe-inspiring to think that the Son of God Himself walked the path of temptation.

While we share in His divine nature, which links us to Christ, our Captain, who faced temptation, we are also connected to every other human being on earth. Though our lives may seem diverse, a closer look reveals that temptation is a universal experience.

Temptation finds its way into the sickroom as easily as it does into our moments of health. It invades the quiet life of the scholar just as it does the bustling life of the businessperson. It pursues ministers, leading to pride or despair, just as it entices criminals. Both the poor and the rich face it. No life, no matter how shielded, is immune from the storms of temptation. That’s why we pray this prayer as one body, united in our need for God’s help.

Take heart, though! Remember, it is our Father to whom we address this prayer. He made us and knows exactly how much we can bear. He loves us and is always by our side, ready to help. He draws near to us, saying, “I am with you in this dark valley. I will make you stand. I would not have brought you here without considering the cost. I am your help in this time of trial. I have carried others through, and I will carry you through. Stay close to Me. Look away from the temptation and focus on Me. Stop trusting in your own strength and depend entirely on Me. I will lead you out. Be encouraged! The crown of victory awaits you, and you wouldn’t receive it without this test. I am giving you the chance to fight and win.”

Prayer

Father, my heart and my strength fail, but You are the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Help us not to be overcome by evil, but to overcome evil with good. Amen.