Lead Us Not Into Temptation

There is a story told of a minister who had a very important meeting downtown. When he arrived at the building, there was no where to park. He was getting desperate as his appointment time was approaching, but still there was no open spots to park. He finally whipped his car into a no parking zone. He got a piece of paper and wrote a note and put it under his wipers. He wrote, "I have circled the block ten times. If I don’t park here, I will miss my appointment." And he closed with this line, "forgive us our trespasses." When he came back he found a ticket that had an accompanying note. With the ticket the policeman had left was this note, "I’ve circled this block for ten years and if I don‘t give you a ticket, I will lose my job." He closed his note, "lead us not into temptation."

In the Lord's Prayer, Jesus is asking us to be lead by God. We are to ask to be lead into a life of righteousness, but also away from the evil one. God does not tempt us, but God allows us to be tried. He puts us in situations that test our faith, but he never sets us up to fail. Pray for God's leading. He will not allow you to be tempted in a way that is more than you can handle. He promises. But in the temptation he is there to help you get out of it - if you want.

Look for God in your temptations - he will deliver you from the evil one.

Sid