“Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.”
— Hebrews 2:18
All this talk about God saving us now as well as later makes it sound like once you believe in Jesus Christ, your life is going to be Disney World. Have you noticed that it doesn’t exactly work that way?
There you are, trying to be all good for God, and kids say you’re a geek because you don’t watch MTV, or your coach won’t let you play because you can’t come to a Sunday morning practice. That doesn’t feel like salvation — that feels like suffering!
And then there’s the temptation thing. You believe in our Lord and you vow to do the right thing — and then up pops the opportunity to make an A+ on the test, if you’ll just glance at the answer sheet the teacher left on her desk. If I’m saved, you may wonder, why am I still tempted?
Being tempted happens to all human beings, even to Jesus when he was in human form. That makes Jesus the perfect one to turn to when you get the urge to mess things up. Jesus says, “Been there, but didn’t do that. I can help you resist temptation just like I did.” Now that’s what you call a rescue.
More To Explore: 1 Corinthians 10:13
Girl Talk: What is a temptation you’re struggling to resist?
God Talk: “Jesus, you were tempted when you lived on the earth, so you know what it’s like. Help me to resist the temptation to do or say things I know are wrong. Amen.”
From That Is So Me by Nancy Rue