The Hour Before Temptation

The hour before temptation. Have you ever thought about the events that took place before you were tempted? Truth: I don’t think I did until recently. A few weeks ago, while in prayer, the Lord imprinted in my thoughts “the hour before”. It was strange, I was overwhelmed with sorrow and my spirit immediately cried out for forgiveness.

I couldn’t shake the thought of the disciples falling asleep after Jesus instructed them “to watch and pray that they not enter into temptation” (Matthew 26:41). These men literally walked with Jesus; how could they so easily fall into the flesh? If the disciples were that vulnerable to temptation (as Jesus warned them later in the verse, “the spirit is indeed willing, but the flesh is weak”), then I don’t stand a chance without a focused prayer life. Lord knows, I’ve been caught in my own slumber many times.

I thought that was the word God had for me – stay disciplined in daily prayer and temptations (as well as the flesh) will be easier to overcome. It’s a message we hear regularly from our Pastor, but I thought I must need to hear it again if God is speaking it to me. Well, “blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled” – and, filled I was.

About two weeks ago, He brought me to Luke 22:45 “And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow.” Sleeping for sorrow. In other words, exhausted from emotional distress. I suddenly had a different perspective of that evening, a compassion for what the disciples experienced. They weren’t taking a nap from being naturally tired, they were emotionally drained.

Imagine, one night at dinner, Jesus – our Lord and Savior – tells you the events about to unfold in the next few hours (just as he did at their last supper). Imagine how you would receive that message. Would you hear only the trial or would you listen for the victory? Our walk with God depends upon how we perceive life’s troubles. The words Jesus spoke to His disciples (and us) are filled with victory. In Matthew 26:31, on that very night, Jesus tells them “But after I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee.” He was prophesizing His resurrection – the greatest victory of mankind – and yet, they couldn’t hear it. They were lost in the emotion and the victory was overlooked.

Would they have handled their circumstance differently had they obeyed the Lord’s instruction? Maybe, but I am not a judge. Think back on a recent trial in your own life – was there a nudge for extra prayer, a thought, a stern warning? He promises victory, and He promises a way to overcome the temptation. 1 Corinthians 10:13 “but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” We must be sensitive to His cues, not only to overcome our own temptations but also for those lost in this world. It becomes impossible to stand boldly in our anointing and spread the gospel if we are drowning in our own sorrow. Listen for the small still voice of God, obey His instructions and rejoice in victory.

Lord, thank you for revelation and for making a way to overcome temptations. Your mercy and grace are endless. Help me to always hear your voice and not be deafened by the emotion of the storm. Lord, help me to listen for the victory and be a light to those around me. In the mighty name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.