Tues., 5/20/14 Devotion (2 Pet. 2:9a)

Today's encouragement comes from 2 Peter 2:9a, where we read these words:

" . . . Then the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations . . . "

Peter establishes this truth (above) on the basis of God's willingness and ability to punish sin (and evildoers). But whereas the Lord did not have a means of redemption for the fallen angels--He *does* provide it to His elect churchmen. On top of that, God delivers us "out of temptations."

What kinds of temptations will we face today? Not all of them will be to do some gross, crass evil. We may be tempted to doubt the love of God, (or even His very existence). We may be tempted to succumb to great discour-agement of heart. We may be tempted to quit church, and prayer. The Lord can and will supply His children persevering grace, to withstand and over-come all of these temptations (and more).

[Puritan quote of the day: "The valley of your discouragements shall be the door and inlet unto all your rest and comfort." --William Bridge, in, "A Lifting Up for the Downcast"]