Day 17: Defeating Temptation

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"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 

Temptation never has the last say.  There is always a way out!  Rick Warren in The Purpose Driven Life says, "The battle for sin is won or lost in your mind. Whatever gets your attention will get you." (pg. 136)  This idea is stating that if we fight the feeling or emotion of the temptation, we are more likely to give in.  An idea is the most contagious thing on this planet and if the focus is continually on it, it will pull harder.  It wants to break us.  Find something better to think about that is honorable, spiritual, lovely, pure, noble, and right. 

Be sure to share your struggle with someone.  Whether it is a support group or specific friend, most temptations cannot be fought on your own or most people would have already overcome them on their own.  Be truthful with yourself, God, and the listening ear.  Be blunt in your vilnerability-no one is beyond temptation.  We all need someone to hold us accountable, pray for us, and encourage us.  There is no shame in being tempted.  We are all tempted by one thing or another.  Do not let the temptation intensify and take over by hiding its evil intensions.  Willpower will only get you so far and pretending their is no problem will surely break you. 

With the Armor of God [Ephesians 6:12], we can resist the "devil's" suggestions.  We cannot fight fire with fire as the devil is better at arguing than we are.  He simply does not care what our opinions are or what is logical.  We must lash back with the words of God-with scripture.  Think of all those quotes from authors, scientists, movies, actors, and religious that encourage and motivate.  Think of your favorite-how does it make you feel?  Does it empower you?  God's quotes should be no different!

"I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but not everything is constructive.  No one should seek their own good, but the good of others."  1 Corinthians 10:23-24

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