Taming Temptation

For since He Himself was tempted in that which He has suffered, He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted. (Hebrews 2:18, New American Standard Bible)

The wind whistled through my ears and tears gathered in my eyes, blinding me. Desperately, I tried to grasp the reins that flopped against Lady’s neck, but they were too far away. I clung to the saddle horn, praying her foot wouldn’t find a hole in the field.

A farmer’s combine had entered the field we were walking in, but I had been too busy conversing with a fellow rider to notice. Startled by the combine’s loud noise, Lady bolted, jerking the reins out of my hands. She ran faster than we had ever gone and a fence at the end of the field loomed into view.

Lunging forward, I snatched the reins from Lady’s neck and pulled back hard. Lady fought against the pressure of the bit on her mouth, but finally stopped.

Whenever I read in the Bible about temptation, I think of my ride that day. It didn’t take much to cause Lady to lose control. Temptation is like that. When it occurs, we must call on the name of Jesus to help us resist. He has experienced every temptation and is willing to help us pull on the reins to stop from indulging in trouble.

God, temptation is everywhere. Each one of us has to face it as we strive to serve You daily. Teach us to see temptation for what it is and rely on Your strength and not our own to resist the Devil today. Amen.