Pray Like This: Lead Us Not into Temptation

Temptation is both a testing of our grace and an inciting of us to sin. We can't conquer temptation on our own; it's far too subtle for that. Indeed, temptation is so subtle because it starts small, it appeals to your taste, it tries to turn your motives and so make good actions into evil ones, and it appeals to necessity. Temptation, of course, comes from the world, the flesh, and the Devil -- but it does have benefits. It reveals our neediness, humbles us, drives us to prayer, and teaches us to long for Heaven. How can you overcome temptation? Only by the help of God's providence, His Word and Spirit, His salvation, your own efforts, and your prayers. If Christ overcame Satan's temptations for you, then trust that He can overcome them in you as well. He will; He knows how to do it, and He promises to provide a way of escape.