To the Ends of the Earth: Witness – Week 3, Day 5 – Purity Shines in the Light
Therefore let any one who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your strength, but with the temptation will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
1 Corinthians 10:12–13
These days, stories of powerful men falling into sin are all too common. When we witness another’s undoing, it is tempting to pass judgment on their failures. But we need to realize that, were it not for Christ, we would be stumbling right there along with them. In fact, all of us have fallen into sin during our lives. Like Elijah, we can be on top of the world, only to experience the worst of who we are as we surrender to sin and fall from grace. The moment we begin to rely on our own strength, we become the most vulnerable to the devil’s schemes.
Thankfully we have a Savior who understands our weaknesses perfectly, who was tempted in every way we are and yet never sinned (cf. Heb 4:15). It is through Jesus that we receive the power to overcome our fallen nature and rise above our worldliness.
When we fall, we have the sacrament of Confession to restore us and bring us back to our community of faith. In Christ we have the grace to avoid the near occasion of any and every sin. As his followers, we need to realize that our Lord longs for our fidelity and trust, rather than our human efforts to tough it out when we are tempted. Without Jesus we will surely fall. With him we can greatly succeed. Let us rejoice in our salvation and the daily bread of God’s provision that helps us to continue on our journey to heaven.
Questions for Reflection
Why do we so often listen to the voice of the enemy rather than the voice of our Savior?
How has God raised you from your falls? Where have you experienced his mercy the most?
What practical steps can you take today to avoid temptation and stand strong in your faith?
Praying with Scripture
“Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Mt 26:41)
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