When we give in to temptation, the saying “one step forward, two steps back” can be a description of our walk with God. We take one step forward into God’s plan for us, but sin causes us to take two steps back. However, that doesn’t need to be our experience! God has given us all that we need to resist temptation so that every step we take leads us closer to God’s purpose for us. We need to humble ourselves before God.
Pride tells us that we can resist temptation on our own and that we don’t need God. The truth is turning to God is the only way we find the spiritual strength to withstand temptation. Bring temptation into the light. Secrecy keeps us trapped in temptation, but openness exposes the schemes of the enemy. When we are open before God and others about the temptations we face, God shows us a way out! Expose temptation while it is still small – a wayward thought, a fleeting desire for worldly things – and don’t allow it to grow. Pray! When you face temptation, confess your weakness before God and ask Him to give you the strength to resist. Don’t go on this journey alone. God has placed leaders above us to whom we can be accountable. Find someone who you trust that can pray with you and challenge you, even as you take steps forward in God’s plans and purposes.
Reflect:
1. Are there certain times during the day when you feel susceptible to temptation? Take active steps to flee from sources of temptation and turn your focus towards God during those times (e.g. by declaring a verse over your life).
2. Is there an area in your life where you constantly face temptation? Commit it to prayer and speak with a leader who can pray and journey with you.
Prayer: Dear God, I humble myself before You. I acknowledge that I am not strong enough to overcome temptation on my own. I need Your strength to truly overcome. Lord, I commit to not trying to do it on my own. Instead, I choose to rely wholly on You. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
(Joshua 1:7-9) “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. 8 Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
(1 Corinthians 10:13) No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.