NIV Once-A-Day Bible for MenSample

TEMPTATION NATION Temptation comes in various forms — ​obvious enticements to break the law, cheat, or forsake a commitment; subtle pressure to flirt with wrong, bend the rules, or delay doing right; nearly invisible urgings to gratify self, shift values, or take the easy way. Through the constant pull of our sinful nature and the consistent attacks of our enemy, Satan, we find ourselves tempted all day, daily. Facing such powerful and continual influences, we may consider giving up and giving in. When we give in and then are confronted with what we have done, we tend to rationalize, excusing our sinful behavior — ​just as when Adam and Eve succumbed to the first temptation and blamed someone else. “He made me!” “I wasn’t hurting anyone.” “I’m only human.” “I had needs.” “Everyone’s doing it.” Instead, we need to resist temptation, rejecting anything that would keep us from doing what is right or push us to do what is wrong. God is more powerful than any temptation, and he is “faithful,” promising to keep temptation from overwhelming us and to provide an alternative course of action, a way of escape, a “way out.” So when you are tempted, thank God for trusting you that much — ​he knows you can bear it. Then ask him what you should do next — ​look for his way out and take it. Take God’s way through temptation.  I’m so weak, Lord, but you . . .