Jesus to the rescue
Having been a lost sheep, I love the following story…
Jesus said, “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my sheep.’ I tell you that in that same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over the ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.” Luke 15:4-7
I still get a warm, comforting, secure feeling as I remember when God rescued me from the pit of despair that I sank into when I gave up on my marriage. I was that lost sheep and when I read those words that Jesus spoke with such love—I am overwhelmed with joyfulness, thankfulness and humility. God LOVED me so much that He rejoiced in Heaven when I repented of my sin and turned to Him. I was LOST, but He found me and saved me. He restored my marriage.
But that is not the end of the story…
Sometimes the lamb is tempted into straying again into sin and temptation—what stops me?
No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. 1st Corinthians 10:13
God is with us! He doesn’t let us bear the burden of temptation alone; however, we do have to talk to Him—let Him know we are being tempted and ask for His protection. When you feel that urge to stray (and it isn’t just with the BIG stuff such as unfaithfulness or lying), PRAY for the comforting presence of Jesus to surround you. PRAY for the protective shield of God’s power to stand between you and temptation. Perhaps you feel the urge to gossip—PRAY! Perhaps you feel the need to buy those new clothes or shoes even when you know you cannot afford them—PRAY! When your spouse, a friend, a co-worker says something ugly or hurtful to you and you REALLY want to retaliate—PRAY! The possibilities for temptation are endless; however, God’s protection is even greater. Jesus promised to be with us “always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20b).
Jesus, having lived as a human, understands human weakness and frailty, but…
He loves us no less in spite of our weakness.
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:15-16
Has there been a time when prayer was the only thing that kept you from temptation? Please share to encourage others.
This is such a comforting thought, Katherine! It’s one I hang onto often, because it seems I fail him many times! “Jesus, having lived as a human, understands human weakness and frailty, but… He loves us no less in spite of our weakness.” Thank you, God, for that unending promise of love!
Thank you for your encouragement, Julie. You are such a positive role model for me and all you reach through your writing and speaking. The Light of Jesus just shines right out to brighten our days! Praying that our Lord will continue to bless your ministry of service.
Earlier today, I was thinking about that story from Luke 15. Thank you for the encouragement in this post.
There is so much encouragement in the scripture to guide us on our journey. We are so blessed to have God’s Word to guide us on the challenging pathway of life. Wishing you a blessed day!
Great post, Katherine. Self-commendation can happen if we feel we have to be strong by ourselves and can’t. I loved your comment, ” He doesn’t let us bear the burden of temptation alone.” Thank you for the reminder that God is always with us, even when we are tempted.
And we are all tempted this side of Heaven. I love the book of Hebrews and knowing Jesus was tempted just as we are, yet was without sin. Therefore, He is the only one who is qualified to be our Great High Priest.
Temptation comes from every direction! Like you, I’m so thankful that we can trust our God to bring us through it. We are so blessed!
Amen Ms. Katherine! I think God, and heaven, applauds when we learn to stand on His promises and our default action is to pray in every circumstance. I think He shows me He loves me when I am that “broken child” that comes to Him in a state of needing Him. So many times in my life, I’ve tried to “captain the ship”, but in reality, I’m lucky to be in steerage. We just have to keep depending on Him and moving up, one deck at a time. Hallelujah, we are first-class bound my friend. 🙂
I love your analogy, my friend. Like you, I have that problem of wanting to be in control. I’m so thankful that God steers us back on course when we start to have those navigation problems. I don’t think I’ve made it to steerage yet–I’m dog paddling beside the boat!
A great post of encouragement. I love the reminder to PRAY, PRAY, PRAY. God is there to help us in our weakness.
I’m so thankful that He is always just a prayer away!
What an encouragement this was today. On paper, it looks foolish to leave 99 sheep behind to find one—it seems foolish until you’re the one sheep stuck and wounded in a ravine. I spent so many years wandering away, falling into dangerous pits. If I’m honest, I still do sometimes. It’s hard to imagine that He comes after me every time, that he embraces me every time. Thank you for this reminder that God is always calling out to me, guiding me home.
Joshua, your response made me think of my own rescue. I’ve always wondered why God pulled me from the pit of sin and despair. I certainly wasn’t worthy to be rescued. None of us are worthy, but we are loved and forgiven. Thank you for reminding me of my blessings, my friend.
I like thinking about God’s presence and power as a shield against saying yes to temptation. Thank you for your post, Katherine.
Yes, Katy, and in times of need, we can always depend on Him. Isn’t it amazing that He knows just the right kind of protection that we need?