Sustained in Temptation

“God does not save us from temptations—He sustains us in the midst of them.” —Oswald Chambers

In The Lord of the Rings, the protagonist, Frodo, is not spared from troubles. He goes through many mental, physical, and emotional trials as the adventures unfold. While he surely would have liked to have been rescued from his hardship, this was not what happened to Frodo. Instead, he had a loyal companion—Sam—who helped him persevere through it all. Although Sam did not share Frodo’s burden, he determined that he would help his friend share the load and walk alongside him through the deepest, darkest valleys. 

This is similar to the Lord’s activity in our temptations. We are all drawn to what is wrong and sinful. There are various temptations that each Christian wrestles with in their spiritual walk. The fleshly nature, though it has been crucified with Christ, leaves behind some old thoughts and habits. 

However, as this quote from Oswald Chambers says, God does not save us from temptations. We would prefer that He pluck us out of temptation, or allow us not to be tempted at all. Instead, while we do encounter temptations, we do not face them alone. God gives us His strength and the ability to endure in the midst of our temptations. 

1 Corinthians 10:13 is perhaps the most famous Bible verse on the subject of temptation, and for good reason. Here, God’s Word says, “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”

While we would like not to deal with temptations, the reality is that temptation is a part of every believer’s life. However, even more real than our temptation to sin is the Lord’s sustaining power and presence through our temptation. 

If we look to our Father, He will point us to the way of escape. He will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we are able, which means you can resist every temptation that comes your way! Through relying on Him, you can endure all temptations that draw you to wrongdoing. The question is, will you resist? Will you give in to the sin, as is so easy to do, or will you stand firm in the Lord’s might and deny the flesh? 

God may not save you from your temptation, but He will sustain you in the midst of it. Look to Him and press on, brother or sister.