LENT Day 5

Lent Devotional

Day 5 - Monday, February 23, 2026

"Temptation Is Not Failure"

Author: Chris Schroyer

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Scripture: Hebrews 4:15 & James 1:14-15

Opening Prayer

Dear God, thank you for this day and this opportunity to learn about you. Lord, open our hearts and minds so that we may take your Word earnestly and apply it to our lives. Amen

Have you ever been tempted? I’m tempted on a regular basis. I was thinking recently about some of my favorite foods, like doughnuts, and how I’m tempted by them. I’m the kind of person that will eat good doughnuts until I’m miserable. I’ll even eat them when I’m not hungry. Or, just had a meal! But whether your temptation is a doughnut, or maybe something a bit more serious, God is understanding. In fact,

Hebrews 4:15 says "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are yet he did not sin."

In speaking this way about Jesus, it is made clear that God understands that we aren’t perfect and are therefore subject to temptations. Jesus is our example and the only perfect man to walk the earth. It is also important to realize that we are only human and must turn back to God and repent. This is a crucial step!

James 1:14-15 says "but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death."

Bring your temptations to God and repent of them. He understands you are only human and offers forgiveness.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly father, thank you for your word and the forgiveness that comes through you. Even though we fail to live up to your standard, you are gracious and forgiving. Amen