Kept From the Snare
Streetlights on wet pavement, a small picture of God’s steady guidance when the path is slick.
Devotional Credit: eManna, Witness Lee, “Pray in This Way (3)”
Photo Credit: Unsplash
Matthew 6:13 brings us to a tender part of the Lord’s Prayer. Do not bring us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. Witness Lee points out that Jesus invites kingdom people to be honest about human weakness, and to look to the Father’s care in the face of testing. That honesty is not self-condemnation. It is a simple posture of trust.
As I read this, I hear an invitation to humility that still rests in union with Jesus. The King Himself faced temptation. He knows the terrain. So prayer becomes a place where I agree with God about my limits, then lean on the life of Jesus within me. I do not win by gritting my teeth. I walk in what He already finished, and I rely on the Holy Spirit who indwells me.
This line of the prayer also points to the Father’s heart. He is not eager to push me into traps. He is a wise Shepherd who guards and guides. When testing comes, He provides a way of escape. When the enemy accuses, He is my shield. My part is to trust His keeping, set my mind on things above, and yield the moment to the Holy Spirit.
So I receive today in faith. Jesus, the Living One, is my life. The Spirit leads. The Father keeps. I step forward, not with bravado, but with quiet confidence that God’s grace is enough for the moments ahead.
Journal Entry – Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture
I keep you. When pressure rises, set your mind on things above. You died with Christ, and your life is hidden with Him in God. I lead you in paths that please the Father, and I make a way of escape so you can bear up under trial. Stand firm in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Take up the shield of faith. I guard your heart and mind in Jesus with peace that endures.
I remind you that you are not alone. The Son was tempted and did not sin, so He is able to sympathize and aid those who are tested. Draw near with confidence. Present yourself to God. Walk by the Spirit. Resist the devil, and he will flee. Let the word of the Lord dwell in you richly. I renew your mind so that you discern what is good and acceptable and perfect.
I assure you of My faithful care. The God of peace will soon crush the adversary under your feet. I am at work in you to will and to do for His good pleasure. Keep your eyes on Jesus. Hold fast your confession. I am faithful, and I will do it.
Scripture references. Matthew 6:13, Matthew 4:1, 1 Corinthians 10:13, Colossians 3:1 to 4, Ephesians 6:10 to 18, Philippians 4:7, Hebrews 4:15 to 16, Romans 12:1 to 2, Galatians 5:16, James 4:7, Colossians 3:16, Romans 16:20, Philippians 2:13, Hebrews 12:2, 1 Thessalonians 5:24.
Real-Life Analogy
Noise canceling headphones have a simple button. Tap once, and the dull roar of traffic fades so you can focus on the voice right in front of you. Facing temptation can be like that. The Holy Spirit lives in you, and when you turn your attention to Jesus and consent to His lead, the static drops. The circumstance may still be present, but the grip of it loosens as His life comes to the front.
Try this today. Before you reply to a sharp message or step into a familiar pressure, pause as if pressing that button. Say, Lord, I entrust this moment to You. Live Your life through me in this conversation. Then move forward with steady tone and clear words, trusting the Spirit to express patience, honesty, and self-control through you.
Prayer of Confidence
Father, thank You that Jesus has already overcome the evil one. Thank You that in Him I am delivered from the domain of darkness and brought into Your kingdom. Thank You for the Spirit who leads me away from snares and provides a way of escape when testing comes. I receive Your peace for this day. Lord, I rely on You to carry this moment through me, with Your wisdom and Your love.