An attribute is a quality or characteristic for which a person is known. We're going to explore several attributes of God over the next few weeks. I'm glad you're joining us!
Faithful is defined as “steadfast in affection or allegiance; firm in adherence to promises or in observance of duty; true to the facts, to a standard, or to an original; one who is faithful.
Paul wrote that God is faithful to help us in times of temptation. He declared that we WILL face temptation, but that God will always be right there, hearing, seeing, and best of all, leading us out of that temptation unscathed by choosing to follow it. God will provide that way out that our plans didn’t prepare us for.
Three years ago, I began the journey toward health that included bariatric surgery. My biggest challenges were desserts and portions. I would eat until I was overly full, and usually of things that did more for my waistline than provide nutrition.
I have to admit, I am still tempted by those things. If I see a slice of cherry pie, I want it. I want it all and I want the whole thing. If I am at a meal with a table full of deliciousness, I want some of all of it. These are temptations to me.
For some, the temptations are drugs or alcohol, gambling, cutting, adultery, sex, shopping, or so many others. All of which are used because we don’t know or trust the sufficiency of God to supply our emotional needs or to help our pain.
Temptation begins deep within. Our hearts have a longing that isn’t being fulfilled to the degree we desire, so we keep an eye out for what might satisfy the longings we don’t understand and can’t even express. The enemy knows the things that tempt. He doesn’t know your thoughts, but he knows humans and our temptations run the same paths: physical cravings, desires for all we see, and pride that sets us above God.
So, using those, the evil one puts brilliant, sparkling invitations out there that reach those pain points in our souls offering answers, help, and hope. Except that his answers, help, and hope are all lies. What he offers will lead us away from God and into the darkness of sin and destruction.
Now, when I see that cherry pie or the spread of delectable goodness, I take stock of where I am, Whose I am, and what I truly want. I am able to choose God over my desires because He provides a way out. Sometimes it’s a phone call. Sometimes, a conversation that removes me from the space of the temptation. Sometimes, it’s the simple reminder of where I was in my unhealthy space and where I am now.
Oh, Believer, no matter what the enemy is throwing at you as the answers to your pain, grief, fear, or bitterness, it is a lie. He does not care about you. He does not want to help you. He wants to steal your heart from the Father. He wants to create a separation between you and God. He wants to hurt God, and he doesn’t care what he has to do to you to accomplish that.
God, on the other hand, loves you beyond measure and wants to spend time with you. He wants you safe from the consequences of sin’s poor choices. He wants you healthy, physically, emotionally, and spiritually, and so He provides a way out of the temptations that loom before you as the best choice.
The thing is, you have to SEE and HEAR that escape route. You have to be listening for the Lord to guide you, and when He says go this way, GO! Run for it. Race to Him. Rest there in Truth and Light.
God is faithful. He is always there for you. Even when you look to others for rescue, He is there. Even when you ignore Him. No matter what, God is and will always be faithful to you.
Coffee, Bible, Journal.
