Prayer and Promises

No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to humanity. God is faithful, and He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation He will also provide a way of escape so that you are able to bear it. — 1 Corinthians 10:13, HCSB 

Temptation will come upon all the children of God. James writes: “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work…” …the trying of our faith worketh patience, not fretfulness and murmuring. If we put our trust in Jesus, he will keep us at all times, and will be our strength and shield. We are to learn valuable lessons from our trials. 

Christians are not to be the slaves of passion; they are to be controlled by the Spirit of God. But many become the sport of the enemy, because when temptations comes, they do not rest in Jesus, but worry themselves out of his arms, and in perplexity lose all their faith and courage. They do not remember that Jesus has helped them out of difficulties in the past, that his grace is sufficient for the daily trials, and that he can help in the present trouble… Satan will press upon us the most severe temptations, and we must learn to come to God in any and every emergency, as a child would come to its parents. 

When we talk discouragement and gloom, Satan listens with fiendish joy; for it pleases him to know that he has brought you into his bondage. Satan cannot read our thoughts, but he can see our actions, hear our words; and from his long knowledge of human family, he can shape his temptations to take advantage of our weak points of character. And how often do we let him into the secret of how he may obtain the victory over us. O that we might control our words and actions! 

You are to believe that Jesus knows just what you need, and will supply all your wants; so you can go on in faith, saying “I have laid my burden upon the Lord, and I will not lay it upon any human being. God will hear and answer my prayers.” Satan may say, “You do not feel any better, you are just as miserable as ever.” But tell him you believe that God will do just as he said, and rest your whole weight on his promise. 

Keep talking faith, and the victory is yours; for “this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” 

— The Review and Herald, May 19, 1891 

Father God, I seek to put my trust in Your promises and be controlled by Your Spirit during this difficult time. Your word has been my strength and help in past temptations, and I believe You will continue to do just as You say in Your word. I rest my whole weight on Your promises. Surround me with Your strength and grace. I lay my burdens on You, O Lord, knowing Your promises are sure. I will no longer talk of my discouragements but I will keep talking faith and courage in You!