The Power of Temptation: The Lord's Prayer and Fitness in Faith

The Power of Temptation: The Lord's Prayer and Fitness in Faith

The power of temptation and faith in difficult times

Temptation is omnipresent and can affect us in many ways. It leads us to our weak points, where we often cannot resist, even though we know the consequences. It is a seduction that leads not to improvement but to decline. After the temptation, doubts about our own strength remain - the question of why we were so weak and lacked the strength to resist gnaws at us. It's an uphill battle against the forces that tempt us, and it almost seems tempting to avoid getting into these situations in the first place.

When we ask in prayer not to be tempted, it is not just about our weakness of will, but also about coping without divine guidance. It is the attempt to assert oneself in life without God, without trusting in his presence and his words. A striking example of this is the story of Job. Despite the immense suffering that befalls him—the loss of his family, his health, and his wealth—Job remains steadfast and refuses to be deterred from his faith.

At a meeting, a school friend talked about his terrible blow, the death of his daughter from cancer. Despite this tragedy, he remained true to his faith. It is understandable that such a burden pushes people to their limits and creates doubts. But Job teaches us that even in the darkest hours, a firm faith in God can provide comfort and hope.

The temptation to call on God only in good times and leave him in bad times is a challenge we should be wary of. There is no point in testing God or making your faith dependent on external circumstances. It is a test we would rather not face.