Four Problems on a Christ Follower’s Path

November 19, 2025

“The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but the Lord tests the heart.” (Proverbs 17:3)

God’s tests are always meant to strengthen us and refine what is good. Yet the tests of life can quickly become moments where we stumble into sin. This is why Jesus teaches us to pray what many Christians through the ages have called the Mother Prayer:

Mother Prayer: “Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.”

This is the prayer that guides all our other prayers when we face temptation. It is the foundational cry for protection and help. But Scripture shows that there are certain patterns that make us slow to pray this prayer, even when we need it most.

Because Christ followers are armed with the Holy Spirit, we have every reason to trust that we will prevail in life’s tests. Still, four common problems can disrupt our walk with Shepherd Jesus. Each one weakens our readiness to pray the Mother Prayer, and each one can be met with a specific daughter prayer. These daughter prayers apply the Mother Prayer to the exact struggle we are facing.

Over-confidence

In 1 Corinthians 10:12 Paul warns the Corinthians about being too confident in their ability to handle compromising situations. Some believed they could eat meals in pagan temples without being drawn into the sinful behavior happening there. Paul knew they were relying on their own strength. His warning is clear: “If you think you are standing firm, be careful that you do not fall.”

Jesus teaches us to pray for help when we face temptation because we are weak. The Heidelberg Catechism reminds us that by ourselves we are too weak to hold our own even for a moment. Our foes never stop attacking. The devil, the flesh and the world remain committed to our downfall. Even if we grow wiser to the devil’s schemes, we never outgrow our need for God’s constant grace. Over confidence led to Peter’s downfall. When Jesus told him to watch and pray so he would not fall into temptation, He also spoke to us.

Daughter Prayer: Over-confidence
Shepherd Jesus, lead my heart away from confidence in my strength and help me lean on the strength you provide.

Pet Sins

Another problem is pet sins. We may pray for deliverance from nine sins yet keep one sin protected and untouched. Pastor and poet George Herbert warned that “one cunning pet sin” can dismantle years of Christ’s good work in a believer.

We may tell ourselves that a pet sin is small or manageable, but that is a dangerous delusion. Sin grows fast and gets out of control quickly. As Neal Plantinga wrote, “Sin is both fatal and fertile.” Like a dangerous pet that seems harmless while small, sin can become a deadly predator. The sin we cuddle one week may claw at us the next.

Daughter Prayer: Pet Sins
Shepherd Jesus, show me the deadliness of my pet sins and deliver me from their sneaky power. Help me to kill them before they kill me.

Curiosity

A third problem is curiosity. Even when God tells us that something is wrong, we want to taste it ourselves. Like Eve, we question God’s reasons and want to try the forbidden thing to see what it is like.

But tasting sin can awaken a hunger that becomes unmanageable. Some people can try a drug once and walk away. Others become hooked with a single taste. Curiosity becomes a tyrant. Gardeners in the Pacific Northwest know that slugs will drink beer until they die because they cannot stop. Curiosity can destroy the soul in the same way.

Scripture tells us plainly: “Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evildoers. Avoid it, do not travel on it, turn from it and go on your way.” (Proverbs 4:14-15)

Daughter Prayer: Curiosity
Shepherd Jesus, help me kill my curiosity for forbidden pleasure. Grow my curiosity for the pleasures found on your righteous path.

Distraction

Our foes, the devil, the flesh and the world, wage a constant and committed war against us, yet even strong Christ followers grow distracted. We forget that a spiritual battle is underway. The devil sets traps daily, but the Holy Spirit also stands ready with power and guidance. Distracted hearts miss both the danger and the help.

Paul promises in 1 Corinthians 10:13 that God is faithful and will always provide a way out. Jesus often called His followers to watchfulness because alertness keeps our hearts ready to see the escape routes He provides.

Daughter Prayer: Distraction
Shepherd Jesus, give me eyes to spot the way out.

Closing Thoughts

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