trbccoffeebreak

“Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Mark 14:38 (ESV)

Working remotely definitely offers some pros and cons, but the path to my fridge seems to get shorter every day. And let’s just be real here – my resistance is wearing out. Too easy to just grab a snack when my energy level slumps. I used to think I had a lot of self discipline….not quite so sure anymore. So for the sake of the clothes I have to wear and can’t buy another size right now, I’m challenging myself to do pushups when I go into the kitchen. You got it girls…yes, 10 counter pushups if I am tempted to grab a snack. And if that trick doesn’t deter me then I will have to come up with something else.

Temptation is simply tempting isn’t it? Webster defines it this way: a strong desire or an occasion of enticement. While grabbing a snack isn’t the worst thing I could do, the giving in to something tempting gradually lessens my resolve. And it never ends the way we think does it? Probably the very reason our enemy, Satan, attempts to desensitize us with every temptation we cave in to.

Regardless of our preconceived view of not sliding away, we can all fall into the trap when our resistance wears out. Best way to ensure success is to recognize what tempts us. Then come up with a plan for moments when that temptation seeks to lure us in. For instance, we can easily get caught up in the gossip circle. It starts out very innocent….and before we know it we’ve gone down a long trail of not uplifting conversations about someone. Solution: Simply change the subject when gossip slips in or walk away. Or could it be we know exactly how God wants us to handle a situation, but His way is definitely harder. We have several easier options in mind but deep down we know His is the right way. Yet we keep entertaining the words, “anyone else would do this.” Never worked with our parents and definitely doesn’t please our God. Solution: Listen to God’s way and forego the rationalization to do it our way.

I think we’ve got the picture. Identify what tempts us. Create a solution in advance – God calls it a way of escape. And then stay prayed up sweet friend because Satan loves to entangle us with things we never thought we’d do again. Choose today to win and not cave in.

“Father, You have filled us with the power of Your Spirit living within us positioning us for victory over sin. Help us to surrender to Your leading and defeat the temptations which seek to devour us.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life