The Stretch

Wake Up Call

The dictionary says that temptation is an enticement to do wrong by a promise of pleasure or gain. I think a better way to look at it is through the root word it is derived from which partly means “to stretch”.

Let’s look at temptation from three points of view. First there is the devil’s who uses temptation to lure us into sin. He hopes he can hide the truth (and consequences) long enough so we are trapped. His goal is to use temptation against us “to steal, and kill, and destroy.” (See John 10:10)

Then there is God’s viewpoint. He uses temptation to test us so that we will become strong and mature. He wants us to see through the deception instead of being snookered by it. He wants us to realize: “No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, that you may be able to endure it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13)

Whose is the third viewpoint? Ours! How do we see it? Most of us would rather not deal with temptations. We would rather lumber along in life easily without challenge. But what if we start to look on temptation differently; as an opportunity “to stretch”? Stretch our faith muscles; stretch our discipline; stretch our character?

Are you struggling with temptation right now? Do you feel you can’t see through to victory? That’s not true. STRETCH!

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