"many of us suffer from temptations we should never have to suffer, simply because we have refused to allow God to lift us to a higher level where we would face temptations of another kind"
I have learned that temptation is a natural part of life as a disciple of Jesus. In fact, it's when I'm not struggling against temptation that I begin to worry. Let's face it, if my life doesn't worry Satan enough to throw temptation my way, there's very likely a problem.
But, to be honest, I have rarely thought of the flip side of this. Increasing temptation is actually a sign of deepening relationship with Christ. The more intimate my fellowship with Him, the more of a target I become to the Enemy.
We pray, "lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil". And so often what we desire is to be exempted from temptation completely. But that's not what the phrase means.
Instead, it's asking God to grant you the grace to stand in the face of temptation, being delivered from caving into temptation, all the while knowing that final victory has already been won.
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