Recently, I talked with a friend about our world. We both agreed that, despite its many blessings, life is also full of challenges, hardships, and dangers. There is a simple reason for this: God is good, and His goodness encompasses us and His creation. Yet, the world we inhabit — including ourselves — is fallen and laden with temptations that stem from our broken world system, our sinful nature, and our ultimate adversary, the Devil.

In his letter to the Corinthians, Paul acknowledged that everyone faces temptation, but God offers a way out of every one of them (1 Corinthians 10:13). While I know God’s grace is sufficient in every situation, my stubborn flesh still gets in the way. Despite my desire to walk in the Spirit and follow God's good plans, my flesh tends to act selfishly, leading me to do what I don’t want to do, and failing to do what I truly desire.

Then, if my flesh isn’t enough to fight, the world with its temptations and the devil with his tricks come into play. I am flooded with sights, sounds, and lies that try to lure me away from God and His Word. However, God’s Word assures me that no test or temptation “is beyond the course of what others have had to face [including Jesus Himself]. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he’ll never let you be pushed past your limit; he’ll always be there to help you come through it” (10:13, MSG).

If you are experiencing temptation, or know someone who is, remember that God’s grace is enough in all circumstances (2 Corinthians 12:9). His Word supports us through every trial (Matthew 4:1-11), and His armor enables us to resist the schemes of the world, the flesh, and the devil (Ephesians 6:10-18).

With these thoughts in mind, let us pray the collect for Sunday: O God, you know that we are set in the midst of many grave dangers, and because of the frailty of our nature we cannot always stand upright: Grant that your strength and protection may support us in all dangers and carry us through every temptation; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.