I find, Lord, the longer I am a disciple the more different temptation becomes. In my natural state, temptation was a problem only if there was a chance I would get caught. In my spiritual state, it becomes a problem because it upsets the delicate balance between assumed spirituality and real spirituality.
Temptation, for every disciple, has two hazards: time, that is, making a shortcut; and method, that is, substituting a different way for God’s way. Every temptation, therefore, forces me to reexamine my spiritual foundations and to choose whether I will wait for God’s time or seize my own time. In this way God uses temptation to make me “learn obedience” even as Jesus learned obedience.
The farther we walk with God, the more subtle temptation becomes. It is like approaching a bright light; the closer we get, the sharper the shadows are. The temptation of Jesus in Gethsemane was far more subtle than the temptations He suffered in the wilderness. Each new level of commitment for us opens up a whole new range of possible deviations from that commitment. That is why David Brainerd groaned as much over his weaknesses before his death as when he first began to follow the Lord.
When I am tempted I am consoled by Jesus, who is “touched with the feeling” of my infirmity (Hebrews 4:15, KJV). He cannot remove my temptation, nor can He be tempted for me, but He understands the battle I am in, and He cheers me on to victory. He also prays for me (Luke 22:32). He never lets me go, no matter how often I fail, because He has put His life in me and has determined that His life must not fail. “Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted” (Hebrews 2:18, NIV).
“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).
Daily with the King 