When we pray, “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil,” we often imagine asking God to keep us far from struggle. But the wilderness story reminds us that temptation is not a detour—it’s part of the journey. Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, not to be broken but to be strengthened. In the same way, our trials can become classrooms where faith is refined and identity clarified. The Spirit does not abandon us in these places; the Spirit meets us there.

Temptation is rarely dramatic. It often looks like impatience in the grocery line, compromise at work, or envy while scrolling  through our social media feeds late at night. When we anchor ourselves in prayer, Scripture, and community, we discover that deliverance is not escape—it’s empowerment. God does not promise a life without struggle, but God promises presence and strength within it.

This week, let the Lord’s Prayer become your rhythm of resistance.

Begin each morning praying these words: “Spirit, lead me in love. Deliver me from fear.”

End each day asking, “Where was I tempted? Where did I triumph? Where do I need grace?”

And choose one act of resistance and one act of deliverance daily. In doing so, you will not only pray the words—you will live them. You will become the answer to the prayer.

“The Spirit leads Jesus into the wilderness—not to destroy him, but to define him.”

“Temptation whispers: ‘Your time matters more than theirs.’ The Spirit whispers: ‘See them. Love them. Wait with grace.’”

“Jesus did not call the church to be a vault of fear. Jesus called the church to be a vessel of freedom.”

“Every time the wilderness threatens to undo him, Jesus leans into the Spirit who sustains him.”

“This prayer is not just protection. It is participation.”