Thursday, March 7
For 40 days the devil tempted Jesus in the wilderness. Jesus did not succumb to that persistent temptation. Of course, he didn’t. But could we do the same? And just 40 days? Doesn’t it sometimes feel like we spend our entire life in the wilderness being tempted by the devil? Are you tempted to betray a coworker? Are you tempted to not love your neighbor? Are you really being the best Christian you can be or are you tempted to take what seems like the easier route and not worship the Lord your God and serve him only?
We are constantly tempted by the pressures of this world. The devil is never all that far away. But there is good news. God is even closer. If we don’t stop and take in the big picture, it is easy for us to think the devil’s way is the right way. It may seem like the easier path. But it isn’t. God’s way is not only the right way, it is the easier way. Think about how much better your life is when you realize you trust God and are ready to follow that wonderful path. We may spend our lives in the wilderness, and we may be constantly tempted. But we were created in God’s image and we were given the gift of reason. We know the difference between right and wrong. And we know God is always right and always good.
Prayer: God, temptation pummels us. The devil wants to rip us away from you. But we love you. We trust you. And we will follow you. Thank you for the gifts you have given us. And thank you for our relationship with you. From time to time we may stumble, and for that we ask your forgiveness. We ask that you continue to lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Just as you led Jesus out of the wilderness. Amen.
– Paul Guequierre