Will It Ever End?

            In C.S. Lewis’ The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe, four children in WWII England enter a different world – the world of Narnia – through an old wardrobe closet in a rarely used part of an old estate. Narnia is a wondrous land, where animals can speak and all kinds of unusual things happen. When they first enter Narnia, the children find it to be a frozen land, where it is always winter, but never Christmas. As I write this we are expecting another winter storm in downeast Maine. Between that and the cold temperatures it's easy to feel at times like winter won’t end. It certainly hasn’t felt like spring yet. People are just looking for some relief, and most cannot afford the time or money it would take to travel south.

            “Just looking for some relief.” Weather is just one of “burdens” of life we may deal with. Stress and feelings of “heaviness” come to us in many ways, and we can reach points in our lives when we feel a strong need for a break… for some change of pace or release from the pressure. For example, those who live with 24/7 caretaking situations deal with this kind of thing constantly, and commonly come to a place of desperately needing a respite.

            In our Thursday night study of James and in preparing to preach from Matthew 4 (temptation of Christ), I have been reminded that temptation can be like one of things that is relentless in our lives. The enemy and those who serve him don’t seem to want to give up, but often keep us under steady pressure to sin. And as our pursuit and longing for holiness increases, we may find ourselves under the force of increased temptation.

            Temptation begins by taking a desire that exists within us. That desire may be perfectly normal and healthy, or the taint of evil may be on it. But the tempter appeals to that desire by providing an outward opportunity to fulfill it, or gratify it, in a manner contrary to God’s will and plan. Everyone has desires and needs. But there are many “shortcuts” offered by the world that fall short of God’s glory. And when inward desire and outward opportunity come together, they produce something which conflicts with God’s will and ways – what we commonly refer to as sin. The Christian faces an ongoing battle with temptation – one that may wax and wane, but never completely goes away this side of eternity. God has chosen to not remove temptation from the many trials which we, as Christians, undergo. The good news is that every temptation is an opportunity for victory in the Lord and for Him to be glorified. Falling to temptation of any kind is not inevitable. God can sanctify our desires as our love for Him deepens and matures. We can find holy ways to fulfill our desires. We can be intentional about exercising more control (by ourselves or with the help of others) over those outward opportunities the world uses to entice us.

            I find that temptation is often stronger when we are silent about it. But when we find a friend we can talk to – a friend who loves us and cares for us – it is often the first step in victory over the temptation. However, our embarrassment or shame often keeps us from opening up to someone else and we often choose to struggle alone. We fear judgment and rejection from others, so we remain quiet. But remaining quiet does little to help us overcome temptation. Jesus did not remain quiet about the temptations He faced. The only way the record of them could have been included in the Gospels was if Jesus told them about it. And certainly He understands everything about our temptations, since He Himself underwent every temptation possible, yet was without sin. He is our victor, and He has victor’s power to share with those who rely upon Him.

            One of the things I am looking forward to when Jesus comes again, or when I go to Him, is the seemingly unending winter of temptation coming to an end. Heaven – a place with no temptation or sin – will be wonderful. My will will perfectly desire the Father’s will. My wants will be in perfect alignment with Him.

            May the Lord help us until then. And may we help one another in love and grace. May we encourage one another and be tender and merciful to one another.

1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV) ¹³  No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

James 5:16 (NIV) ¹⁶  Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.

Galatians 6:1-2 (NIV) ¹  Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. ²  Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

PRAYER:  Father, thank you for the victory over temptation that Jesus won, and for the power that resides in him – which he freely gives to us – to extend that victory into my own life. You know well the temptations that I face. In your grace, lead me always to take the way out from it that you provide. May you be glorified in me. In Jesus’ name, AMEN.”

Jesus Christ is Lord!  

Scott