Here we are— the third week of the new year, and if you’re like me, the struggle to resist temptation and keep my commitment to better myself is REAL. We face temptations everyday. But doesn’t it seem like the very second you commit to making a change in your life, Satan goes into overdrive to divert you on alternate routes?
You are not alone. In fact, the Bible clearly says “you’re not the only one” in the first part of 1 Corinthians 10:13: “The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience.”
The verse goes on to give us hope. God will not let the impulse be bigger than you, and he always sends help, “…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.”
Can I tell you the hardest part for me?
Looking for the way out.
Many times, in the moment of desire, I don’t want to get out. I don’t want to resist. However, God knows engaging in temptation isn’t life-giving. It’s destructive, depressing, and dangerous. So, he shows us a way out.
Reading this scripture in 1 Corinthians recently, I found myself praying, “Lord, help me look for the escape!”
The way out is there, but the Bible doesn’t say God forces us to it; it says he “will show you a way out”. The choice is up to you, just as the choice is up to me.
Feel free to join me in this daily prayer:
Lord, you know that resisting temptation is a daily challenge in my life. Your Word assures me that my struggles are not unique. Thank you that you provide a way out in times of temptation. Grant me wisdom and discernment to choose a righteous path, and give me strength to look for the escape so that I can experience more life-giving moments every day.
Cari Kates
Director of Digital Content, STAR 99.1
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Thank you for this reminder. God is faithful, always! I am joining you in prayer.
Yes he is, Lenore! Glad you’re with me. 🙂
Thank you Kate wise words and good advice and God’s promise but we make the choice thank you
Forgive me for calling you Kate ,carri😊
Hey it’s okay! Happened all the time. 😜 Glad you were encouraged!
Amen. This is so true. We often forget who we are & who we live for (God) in the moment of trial & temptation. This is when we, as Christians, need to actually apply what we believe in & use or armor/weapons on the Spirit.
Yes, Jonathan that’s great wisdom!
Thank you Cari! Too many times, I believe I can handle temptation on my own; I want to prove my strength or resiliency. It can’t be done! We NEED His help. He KNOWS the enemy’s tricks better than anyone else. And there are those times when I think that God won’t “get it”, and that He will be upset with me that I’m being tempted with a particular action/thing. And just as scripture says, my temptation is no different than others. He will not be surprised. In fact, He’s more than ready and able to perform. He just waits for me, His daughter, to seek Him and ask for His help. He will ALWAYS show us a way out and give us His strength.
So true, Diane. It brings me such comfort to know I am not alone in the temptations I face on the regular.
God must always have the glory. We have to try to stop doing things in our own strength. Our strength is in the Lord.
Amen, Aida!
Cari, thank you so much for the reminder of God’s goodness, this is me every day trying to quit smoking cigarettes. I needed this today. God Bless
So glad it was encouraging to you! And know that you’re not alone. We are all working towards betterment and it’s a daily struggle. But also, as a former smoker, please let me encourage you to not give up in your journey to quitting! It’s so worth it on the other side. 🙂
Amen amen amen! Thank you for the reminder.
Fortune Coratti
You’re some welcome! Good reminder for me too. 🙂