But I Don’t Wanna
From my reading of Matthew 6:1–5
“And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil…” vs. 13
I’ve always struggled with this part of Jesus’ prayer. Why would we have to ask God not to tempt us? Isn’t that Satan’s job?
Thank goodness for good ‘ol Google. It turns out that the translation of temptation is actually closer to the Greek meaning for trials, i.e. spiritual conflicts, spiritual and/or physical agony, persecution, etc. As believers we have to trust that if we go through a trial then we must feel confident that God will work it out for our best.
I’m gonna be real here. Sometimes my walk feels empty because I don’t “hear” God. (Joyce Behar would say I’m sane. Tee Hee) This is obviously a trial because it’s been horrible. I’ve begged for God to change this, but it hasn’t been granted. Therefore, I must assume that I’m meant to be where I am.
So why would Jesus teach us to ask God not to have to go through these trials? If they’re meant to be shouldn’t we just stoically resign ourselves to whatever happens?
Like me, Jesus asked God to not make him endure a trial, “If it be possible, let this cup pass away from me.” He knew it was possible for God to stop his coming suffering. And I have to assume that He knew the ultimate plan. But he still asked. Why?
Because nobody likes suffering, including Jesus. Even if you beg in your best, whiniest voice, saying, “But God, I don’t wanna have to do that!” you may not always like the answer. Jesus knew we’d all have trials to face and that they’d suck, and like us, he knew we’d all avoid them if we could. But we also got to see how His turned out. He returned to Glory.
I’ll admit it — sometimes I set up learning traps for my boys. Recently, I left a $20 bill laying out. I knew whoever happened upon it would be tempted to slip it into his pocket. What teenager couldn’t use an extra Jackson in their wallet? That’s why I was so elated when they turned it in. It’s one thing to talk about integrity with kids; it’s completely another to show it in action.
When my son found out why I left it out he was upset. He couldn’t understand how I could do that to him. I explained that I didn’t set him up for failure, I set him up for the greatness I know he’s capable of.
Obviously, not all trials are from God. But those other kinds aren’t the types we’re talking about here. This was Jesus specifically addressing God on the ones He was sending into his life. And, just like Jesus, my son didn’t like being tempted, either, but in the end, he knew it was for his own growth.
When saying this part of the Lord’s Prayer, I think the next time I’ll approach it differently. “Lord, I don’t want to go through extreme hardship. Heck, I don’t even want a little hardship. If there’s an easier way to learn this lesson let me see it. But, I know I can be an idiot sometimes so if I do have to go through it help me to triumph and not succumb to the Evil One.”
(In case you’re wondering, I didn’t let my son keep the $20 out of some misplaced sense of parental guilt. I taught him a priceless lesson for crying out loud! But I did get him ice cream for $4.79. Fair enough trade.)
These are reflections from my Bible study, in particular as I work my way through the New Testament. I’m not a Bible scholar. Just a regular girl seeking an awesome God! Please share my journey with me and let me know your thoughts.
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