BREAKTHROUGH THE TEMPTATIONS
If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall. The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, He will show you a way out so that you can endure.
1 Corinthians 10:12-13 (NLT)
God will allow us to face things beyond what we can bear when it comes to pain because He wants us to draw on Him. Most people will talk about difficult times as a time when God drew them to Himself. This isn’t true of temptation, though. It’s unbiblical to say you’re facing some temptation you can’t overcome. God will always be faithful to provide a way out. This is where we must be aware of His goodness. It’s important to note that temptation isn’t easy to overcome. Listen to what C.S. Lewis said: No man knows how bad he is till he has tried very hard to be good... Only those who try to resist temptation know how strong it is. This is why we need the supernatural life of Christ inside of us. I used to try to overcome sin with my willpower and determination, which worked a lot, but after a while, sin was persistent, the devil too evil, and the world was too broken for me not to give in. When you draw near to God, then He will show you a way out, and at the right moment, He will give you supernatural strength.
One of the most important parts of finding a way through temptations is being surrounded by people with whom you can be honest. I fear sometimes we project an image that isn’t always accurate in church. Do you have people who ask you tough questions each week? Do you have people who are walking alongside you in your struggles? The enemy always picks off the lone sheep, and isolation will lead us to be a target for the enemy. I’ve found that whatever we struggle with, the key is ensuring we don’t struggle alone. It takes courage to share and open up, but if you want the deep life of Jesus, then it’s necessary. The first step to overcoming temptation is to bring those struggles into the light. Be honest with God about your struggles and let Him speak to those. Also, bring others into your struggle. They’ll encourage you when you don’t feel you have the strength to make it through. The spiritual race is individual, but it’s also a communal race. No one can run your race for you, but you weren’t called to run alone! Bring others into your struggle.
APPLICATION: Bring others into your struggle today!
PRAYER: Ask God to give you a supernatural strength to overcome temptations. Ask the Spirit to provide you with new victory in Him. Ask Him to help you believe victory is coming!
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?