July 14, 2022

Passage Read: Matthew 17-18
Meditation Verse: 18:7

Thought

"It is necessary that offenses come." God isn't interested in protecting us from sin or temptation, but that we endure and stand firm against them. As much as I never want to be tempted again, as much as I want to be free from temptation, the best I can hope for is that the temptations I face will be within my strength to resist. Offenses must come, to test my faith, to test my obedience, to strengthen both. But as my faith and obedience grow, so too do the power of those temptations, so it seems always that the temptations are as strong as ever. And as tiring, exhausting as ever.

Application

The Lord has determined the number of my days, and He expects me to be faithful to the end. He also has high hopes for me, such that He intends for me to be tested and proved by temptation to the end of my days. I better get used to it and stop hoping that things will get easier. Unless the Lord is done using me, training me, He won't keep me from temptation. Offenses must come. They won't stop until I reach the new heaven and earth, though they'll be greatly reduced during the reign of Christ. I have that to look forward to.