Why Would God Lead Me to Temptation?

In preparing for a trip to Haiti, I have been thinking about the theme of “Crime and Punishment.”  More specifically, this morning I was thinking about what is often a precursor to the crime: temptation.  The particular bit of scripture I was pondering was in the prayer Jesus taught us to pray.  “Lead us not into temptation,” he said.   I have often wondered why we would need to ask God not to lead us into temptation.  Why would God ever want me to be tempted?  This morning, I think I got an answer.  Perhaps this is something obvious to others.  I’m just now learning it.  I could be wrong.  If you read on, maybe you’ll be tempted to tell me so.  😉  

In praying “lead us not into temptation,” we are admitting our dependence on God to help keep us from sin, and giving Him permission to do so.  That is, we are admitting our tendency to sin and being preemptive, battling sin in the best way possible by asking God to keep us from the things that would tempt us.  If we will not seek God’s help, He may lead us to the place where our own lust, pride, etc. tempts us to sin, and hopefully, we realize how much we need Him. Sometimes the test / temptation is necessary.  Perhaps the surest sign that it is, is when we don’t feel the need to seek help avoiding it.

This life is about choices.  Choose God – choose good – or choose evil.  When we pray “lead us not into temptation,” we have already chosen good.  If we don’t pray the prayer ( and maybe even sometimes when we do ) God will lead us to the place of trial / temptation where we must choose whom we serve.  That’s where the battle really heats up . . . and where we most desperately need deliverance from evil.  But that’s another topic.  In the mean time, I pray that God our Heavenly Father will not even lead me to the place of temptation.  I admit I am weak.  I don’t even want to go there.

 In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
   – Matthew 6:9-13