Resisting Temptation
As we continue in this journey, we have learned that we allow many distractions and temptations into our lives without realizing that they could be a step towards a downward spiral of sin. When establishing a life in accordance with God’s word, we have to guard ourselves from the worldly dangers all around.
In order to resist temptation, we have to sharpen our physical and spiritual senses in order to recognize these dangers that can destroy the resources with which God has entrusted us. We have to be on constant alert. Mark 14:38 teaches: “Keep watching and praying that you may not come into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
Dangers can appear suddenly or they can slowly sneak into our lives, but they all have something in common: they will eventually destroy our walk with the Lord. We have to immediately demolish any false prophecy, hypocrisy, deceit, greed, immorality, impurity, evil desire as well as other dangers that are affecting our life. Thomas Jefferson said it well, when he stated, “The price of freedom is eternal vigilance.”
In order to counter the threat, we have to protect and guard ourselves. It’s important to realize that time is one of the most valuable gifts we have been given and also one of which we are most quickly robbed. Ephesians 5:16 reminds us to be making the most of [our] time, because the days are evil.
How often do we start our week on a Monday wondering how we can possibly squeeze in one more commitment? Most of these commitments aren’t sinful, but they do distract us from being able to be led by the Spirit and do the task that God has for us. Busyness is a way the devil keeps us from following God’s guidance, especially if it starts affecting our quiet time with the Lord. While our time is one of the greatest assets, we also have to protect our health, our purity, our family and friends, our name, our resources and most importantly our eternal rewards. I am coming quickly; hold fast what you have, so that no one will take your crown. (Revelation 3:11).
We have to continuously build up our senses in order to discern what is of the Lord and what is a temptation from the devil. The devil is a master of deception and we live in perpetual warfare. We are called to be soldiers for Christ Jesus and to suffer hardship with Him. We have to deny personal desires, worldly pleasures, and comforts so we can fight the good fight. We all struggle. When this happens, take a breath and draw near to God. Remind yourself that No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it (1 Corinthians 10:13).
The only way we can overcome temptation is to take our eyes off the temptation and focus on Jesus. Hebrews 2:18 teaches us that we have our example in Jesus himself: For since He Himself was tempted in that which He has suffered, He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted. Jesus has already overcome the world and promises to help us through these trials. In Him we have what our soul so desperately longs for; there is nothing else we need. Let’s no longer listen to the lies of the devil. Let’s claim our freedom to be a follower of Jesus, giving it our everything, going all in. This way, when our life is over and this race on earth is done, we will hear our Lord say: “Well done, my good and faithful servant”.
Today’s Challenge: Prayerfully evaluate yourself. How alert are you to the dangers around you? Do you struggle with specific sins/temptations that make you an easier target for the devil? Spend some time today praying over these areas. Find Bible verses that apply specifically to these sins. Make a list and keep them close to you over the next few days and weeks. Allow God’s Word to encourage you and keep you on the righteous path. Repeatedly seek these verses whenever you are being tempted in order to overcome these sins once and for all.
Forty Days of Faithful 
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