Overcoming Temptation – Part 1

O our God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you.” 2 Chronicles 20:12

When Jesus told Peter he would soon deny his Lord, Peter boasted, ‘Others may, but not me!’ Yet within a few hours he was swearing and disavowing any knowledge of Jesus. It can happen to any of us. The Bible says, ‘Each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own [particular] desires and enticed’ (James 1:14). We all have areas of vulnerability which, if not disciplined by character and commitment, have the potential to defeat or even destroy us. What can you do? 1) Recognize it. Before you yield to temptation you usually go through certain stages. By neglecting prayer and Bible reading you become indifferent to God, insensitive to danger, and find yourself drawn like a moth to a flame. Then you begin to rationalize your disobedience and think, ‘Nobody knows. What harm will it do?’ And the more you silence the voice of conscience, the stronger your carnal appetites become. Then you surround yourself with people who do the same things, or are at least willing to look the other way. Jesus said, ‘Pray … that you may not enter into temptation’ (Mark 14:38). Pray for strength before the temptation comes! 2) Reach for help. When Jehoshaphat came up against an enemy too big to handle alone, he prayed, ‘We have no power against this great multitude … nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You.’ Jehoshaphat knew he was no match for the enemy, and he knew where to turn for help. What’s the secret of victory? Lean less on yourself and more on God!

Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to see You as my strength and hope when things seem impossible to me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen