When [Eve] saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it.  Genesis 3:6

THE fruit looked good, and Eve wanted it. What was the harm? When the serpent told her that God was keeping the fruit from her to hide its powers, Eve couldn’t resist the temptation any longer. She had to have it. And when she ate it, she knew her husband Adam had to have it, too. One simple moment of weakness, one small mistake, forever altered their lives.  How many times are we tempted by forbidden fruit? Whatever yours may be, temptation is all around us. Many find it hard to resist, even those of strong faith who never thought they would sin willingly. Yet sin looks so appealing. What could be the harm? We succumb, and as the consequences follow, in some cases our world falls apart.

 What can we do when tempted? First Corinthians 10:13 tells us that no temptation will come before us that is beyond our strength to resist. Jesus told his disciples, “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation” (Mark 14:38). Always being on our guard, knowing our own weaknesses, and praying constantly are the greatest defenses we have. God can shield us when we cannot stand on our own. We ask, and in our times of weakness, God will be our strength.

Father God, help us resist sinful desires. Clothe us in your righteousness, that in our weakness we may be strong in you. Amen.