Because of the translation, many think this statement is saying, "Don't tempt me, Lord" or "Don't lead me into a sin". That's not the intent. God is not tempting us or leading us into temptation. The phrase translates better as a cry for help: "Keep me from falling into a temptation trap".
We are asking God to steer us away from the bar, to divert our attention when the pretty girl walks by, to give us wisdom when we find that wallet, to walk away when we find ourselves alone with someone else's spouse.
The Father loves to hold the hands of his children. "The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand" (Ps 37:23-24).
Temptation comes from only one place - hell. Satan has tempted everyone. starting with Adam and including even Jesus. The first with fruit. The second with bread. God does not tempt. He does not set us up to fail.
God does test us. Job was not tempted by God. His faith was tested. Satan (and Job's wife and friends) tempted Job to curse God (Job 1:8-12; 2:9; 42:7). Peter's faith was tested by walking on water (Matt 14:25-31). Peter was tempted when he told Jesus not to have such morbid thoughts about death. Jesus blasted back, "Get out of here, Satan" (see Matt 16:21-23).
So our prayers ask God, as the ultimate path guide, to watch the road ahead and warn us of places where we might stumble.
By: Max Lucado
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