1 Corinthians 10:12-13 Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. 

Dear God, I’ve never completely understood this passage as it relates to being tempted beyond what we can bear. There have obviously been times when I am tempted beyond what I can bear because I gave in to it. 

I guess one question I have going through my mind right now is what would my life be like without the temptations? I think it would quickly lose any sense of need for you–your power and mercy. I’m not even close to being completely Christlike so I need the temptations to keep me tethered to you. (Or is it that I am susceptible to temptation because I am not close to being Christlike?) Either way, the temptations and my responses to each one are part of me working out my dear with fear and trembling. 

Father, in as far as my temptations are a function of addictions in me, please heal and strengthen me. In as far as they are a result of me feeling sorry for myself and having the right for self indulgence, forgive me for my self pity. And in as far as they are a result of my lethargy, laziness, and sloppiness, guide me in each moment to be the man you need me to be. 

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen