Life ain’t isn’t. It sure isn’t. On one hand we have the temptations of sin confronting us often. We are trying to overcome them. We are trying to not give in to temptation. It isn’t easy. Sin is real. And it is a hard opponent. On the other hand we have trials in this world. Physically, mentally, emotionally. Pain, sorrow, suffering, stress, sickness, etc. We try to overcome them. We try to push through. But it doesn’t happen over night. It’s hard. There is no easy button. There is no magical wand.
So what do we do? We’re fighting temptations. We’re fighting trials. Or we’re fighting both. How can we endure these things? How do we make it through? It’s hard. Wearisome. Painful. Long. Strenuous. Where do we get help?
The only help we’ll find and the help we truly need is found in Jesus Christ. He is there for us. He is ready to help and strengthen. He is our rock and our guide. Lest we doubt, the Hebrew write tells us that there is no doubt that Jesus can and will help us:
“For because He Himself has suffered when tempted, He is able to help those who are being tempted.” (Hebrews 2:18)
“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:15-16)
Jesus has been there. He bought the shirt and wore it out. He knows better than we do. He knows more than we do. Jesus was tempted and tried like us. More than us. He suffered pain. He was rejected and humiliated. He was tempted to sin. But Jesus’ faith in the power of God enabled Him to overcome. Therefore, there is no better source of help. There is no better encourager, mentor, friend. When we are tempted and tried we need to go to Jesus. Go to His Word and see His example. Listen to His words of encouragement and love. Pray to Him. Call out to Him. Let Him lead you and guide you.
Friend, I know it’s hard. Temptations are not easy to overcome. Trials are not easy to go through. But if we will trust in Jesus and follow Him then we can overcome temptations and we can make it through our trials. Have faith. Have comfort. Have hope. Jesus loves me this I know, for the bible tells me so. His love is there. His help is there. I just need to have faith and go to Him for help. Let’s do that together. Let’s find our strength and hope in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. God bless.
A Cord of Blue 