Below as in Above: 5 Days in the Lord's Prayerნიმუში

PROTECTION

Our Father wants us to run to Him with the heart of a child. When we were younger, many of us played Follow the Leader. Kids just think it’s fun, but it actually teaches a valuable life skill—how to listen and obey instructions the first time they are given.

The Lord’s Prayer teaches us the same lesson as it continues: “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” Just as often as we need to ask for daily bread, forgiveness, and a forgiving spirit, we need to ask for protection.

No one is above falling into temptation. Every seed of every sin lies in every human heart. That’s why we must pray for spiritual protection. God doesn’t lead us into temptation—He leads us in paths of righteousness. Temptation leads to death, but Jesus leads to life.

When we are on the righteous path that God is leading us down, we will always have the choice to take a detour into temptation. J.I. Packer put it this way: If you are not conscious of temptation, pray, “Lead me not into temptation.” But if you are aware of it, pray, “Deliver me from evil.”

We have a real enemy who is actively working to take us down. He comes to steal, kill, and destroy. And the most dangerous place to be is in denial—believing the lie that we don’t have a real enemy. Our souls are vulnerable. Just like we wear a mouthguard or a helmet for protection, our souls need the armor of God described in Ephesians 6. When we follow our Leader and keep our eyes on Him, we are protected from temptation. He is our Deliverer, and He is our Father.

So, how do we follow our Leader?

• Renew your decision to follow Him every day. He is near and walking with you. The closer you are to Him, the better you will hear His voice. If you’re running ahead, it’s harder to hear. Stay close.
• Wake up! Watch out! There’s a way out! We are in a battle. Don’t be lulled to sleep by the enemy. Jesus tells us to watch, pray, and be ready. No temptation is too strong—God always provides a way of escape. Take it!
• Know His Word. Jesus was tempted after 40 days in the wilderness—when He was exhausted and starving. The enemy saw His weakness and struck. But Jesus responded with Scripture. That’s our model. If you wait until you’re in the battle to start learning the Bible, you’ll already be losing. Memorize Scripture now—prepare for the trial you haven’t faced yet.

Our eyes are on Jesus, and His eyes are scanning the earth, looking for those who are focused on Him. We need His strength—and He gives it freely to those who ask. Ask Him for it today.

Prayer

Lord, thank You for walking with me as I face the temptations of this world. I know that when my eyes are fixed on You, the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of Your glory and grace. When I am faced with the choice to go against what You have for me, help me to choose the better way and deliver me from evil.