Temptation

In reading the verses and prayer for dealing with temptation below, we might think of the temptation Matt Talbot experienced about drinking.

Some writings about Matt tend to leave the impression that once Matt took the pledge not to drink, his "craving for drink" was instantly removed. Reading detailed articles and most biographies suggest, however, that just the opposite was true.

Even though Matt made significant changes in his life after taking the pledge, such as going to daily mass before work, going regularly to confession, spending evenings in churches, reading the bible and spiritual readings late each evening, and praying constantly, the temptation to drink was ever present for many months before it began to subside. He frequently mentioned to his mother that he wouldn't be able to keep his three-month pledge. But by the grace of God, Matt did not pick up a drink.


Matt once told his sister, Susan, to "never be too hard on the man who can't give up drink. For it's as hard to give up the drink as it is to raise the dead to life again. But both are possible and even easy for Our Lord. we have only to depend on Him in constant prayers" (Beevers, 1955).

Maynard (2000) notes repeatedly in his book that "Matt was able to slake his thirst only by developing another taste. Through prayer and meditation he cultivated a friendship and love for Jusus Christ," which took years to reach its "full flowering."

Sources:

Beevers, John. Shining as Stars, 1955. Westminster, Maryland:

Newman Press, p. 110.

Maynard, Philip. To Slake a Thirst: The Matt Talbot Way to Sobriety. 2000. New York: Alba House, pp. 10-11.

"Dealing with Temptation"

Mary Fairchild

About.com:Christianity

March 25, 2008

If you're struggling with temptation in your life, take some encouragement from these verses and pray the prayer below, asking the Lord to help you deal with the temptations you face each day.

"No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it."
1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV)



“But remember that the temptations that come into your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can't stand up against it. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you will not give in to it.”
1 Corinthians 10:13 (NLT)

Dear Lord,
You know the temptations that I am facing today. But your Word promises that I will not be tempted beyond what I can bear. I ask for your strength to stand up under the temptation whenever I encounter it. Your Word also tells me you will provide a way out of the temptation. Please, Lord, give me the wisdom to walk away when I am tempted, and the clarity to see the way out that you will provide. Thank you, God, that you are a faithful deliverer and that I can count on your help in my time of need.
Amen

Source: http://christianity.about.com/od/prayersforspecificneeds/a/PrayersVerses.htm