Dealing with Temptation
I had planned on writing about a different topic. However, I missed writing yesterday and now I’m happy that I did. The verses in today’s devotional spoke on temptation. Temptation is something I have been dealing with a lot recently. I am happy to say that I realized last night why I am overcoming a temptation that I have been dealing with for years. Every night, I include in my prayer that God gives me the strength to overcome a particular temptation, and every day I am successful. Not only do I overcome it, but I also don’t dwell on it at all. I feel that the timing of this means that this is something I should write about today.
My Faith Was Wavering
I heard so many people say that God would not give you temptations that you cannot bear. I’d also read this numerous times. However, I must admit that my faith in this area was wavering. As much as I prayed to overcome it, there’s a certain temptation that I kept dealing with. I didn’t understand what was going on. However, I prayed for wisdom about it and God revealed to me that it was because I was attempting to rely on my own strength. I’d never once asked God for His.
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.
1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV)
Once I changed that prayer to also ask that God gives me the strength to not only overcome it but to also not dwell on it, things changed for me. This is not something I struggle with anymore. I pray about it daily and God takes care of it for me daily.
Depend on God
When you are dealing with temptation, you must learn to not depend on your own strength. You must learn to depend on God. Ask him for His strength and for His wisdom. There are some things you will not be able to overcome on your own. But you don’t have to, that’s the beauty of this. God is with you, all you have to do is ask Him and have faith in Him.
Ask God for Help
If you are struggling with something, call on Him. Ask Him right then and there for His strength and His guidance. Have faith in God’s word. Read His word daily, even if it’s just for a few moments. I always say a small amount of God’s word is better than nothing at all. God is faithful to his children, we should have faith in Him.
Remove Triggers
One last thing, see if there is something around you that is making it hard for you to get away from the things that are tempting you. If at all possible remove them from your life. If it’s a website, a TV show, a book, a person…remove them from your presence if at all possible. I understand that with people that can be a difficult thing. Take it to God and ask Him for guidance in the matter. Listen to what He says and put it into action.
Have a blessed and prosperous week.
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