It is a bit ironic to me that we make our horses do things we wouldn’t want to do ourselves. Walk up and down steep hills, along narrow trails. Sprint through barrels or poles, or execute a pattern with complete precision. We demand a lot physically from our horses.

When I camp with Ernie, I often run the trails for exercise. I run the sandy spots, the rocky hills with loose stones and downed branches, and even through an occasional mud puddle. It makes me wonder, why in the world does Ernie endure it?

Our Christian walk can be equally as challenging – perhaps not physically but spiritually. We’re faced with many obstacles that can cause us to stumble. Outbursts of anger. Gossiping. Being judgmental. Idolizing power, work or money. Christ knows how challenging they can be – he faced these obstacles, too. Like I know how difficult Ernie’s work is, Christ knows how alluring our temptations are.

Hebrews 4:15 says, “This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same temptations we do, yet he did not sin.”

Tempted to say unkind words to someone? Jesus was falsely accused by the Pharisees and yet did not sin in response. What would have been your response? How do you respond when someone judges or criticizes you? With the humility and grace of Christ?

Tempted to gossip? Jesus saw people’s inner most secrets – he knew the woman at the well in John 4 had five husbands and was living with a man who was not her husband. Can you imagine what other gossip he was privy to?

Are you lured by power, striving for the next promotion? In Matthew 4, Jesus was tempted by Satan, “Next the Devil took him to the peak of a very high mountain and showed him the nations of the world and all their glory. ‘I will give it all you,’ he said, ‘if you will only kneel down and worship me.’” Jesus was not seduced by power.

While few of us will walk the path we ask our horses to trod, Jesus is very familiar with our path. He never said it would be easy – only that we would never walk alone. Whatever temptations we face, we can turn to Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit to help us resist. Have you asked God to help overcome temptations? He promises he will show you a way out. We just have to be watching for it.

“…God is faithful. He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can’t stand up against it. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you will not give in to it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13

Hebrews 2:17-18 “Since he himself has gone through suffering and temptation, he is able to help us when we are being tempted.”

Questions for reflection:
1. What temptation do you feel incapable of overcoming? Why?
2. How have you seen God deliver you from temptations in the past? Will you watch for his exit strategy next time you’re tempted?
3. What visual reminder can you use when facing temptation to remind you to pray for help?