Crushing Temptation (Hebrews 4:14-16)

The blow that comes as a result of a devastating loss, the defeat of personal failure, the despondency felt from guilt or anxiety or depression - these can all crush us emotionally. In a broken world, it is simply a matter of time before we feel crushed. For 1400 years the Church has set aside the 40 days between Ash Wednesday and Easter as a time of repentance and renewal (this time is called “Lent” in the church). During this time, believers humbly acknowledge that sin is the ultimate source of all the crushing moments in life. But Jesus came to do something about it: "The Lord saves those who are crushed in spirit" (Psalm 34:18). When we are faced with our repeated failures to successfully face temptation, we are crushed. Thankfully, we have a champion who faced temptation with perfect success. Since by faith his victory is ours, and because we have the weapon of his Word, we can find the necessary confidence to face temptation with a newfound strength.