Temptation

When Jesus was praying in the Garden of Gethsemane before his death and crucifixion in our place, he said this:
(Jn 17:14-15) I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. (15) My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.

Jesus does not desire for his disciples to be taken out of the world and therefore avoid all temptation. His desire for us is that we remain in the world, but at the same time be protected from the evil one. In other words, Jesus prayed, "Father, give them the power to overcome the Devil's attacks."

When Peter and the other disciples were gathered with Christ for his last Passover meal, Jesus turned to Peter and said,

(Lk 22:31-32) "Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. (32) But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers."

Satan had to get "permission" before he could tempt Peter. God determined whether or not Satan could tempt Peter; and, God set limits to what form the temptation could take. And, he made sure it was not beyond what Peter was able to bear. And when Peter failed, he already had the promise from Jesus that he could turn back – and be received with forgiveness and restoration!

Be blessed in the knowledge that Jesus prays for you in your struggle against temptation, that God sets limits to the level of temptation - and that through forgiveness and mercy, and the love of Christ – when you “return” from having “fallen”, you will be an inspiration to many others who also need to “turn back” to Jesus!