Struggling With Temptation

Both Christians and non-Christians struggle with temptation. It may even be harder for the Christian because Satan is trying harder than ever to pull that person away from God (1 Pet. 5: 8). He doesn't have to work that hard for others because he already has them. All people are created with natural desires. It's how we control them that counts (Gal. 5: 17).

God doesn't tempt us. He allows us to be tempted. 1 Corinthians 10:13 tells us that He won't allow us to be tempted beyond what we're able to bear. Satan, however, is telling us it's okay to go ahead with what we want to do (Mt. 4: 3; 2 Cor. 11: 14-15; 1 Thess. 3: 5). If we resist Satan's pull, he will flee from us (Jas. 4: 7). Why does God allow us to go through these trials? Perhaps He is testing our faithfulness to Him by allowing us to be tempted. He certainly allowed Satan to put Job to the test and Job passed (Gen. 22: 12; Job 1: 6-12; 2: 3; 42: 7-17). He may even mean for us to learn from our trials and realize our shortcomings (Jas. 1: 2-4; 1 Pet. 4: 12-13; 2 Cor. 12: 7-10).

The truth of the matter is that we're tempted and lured away from God by our own choosing (Jas. 1: 14-15). People are not always tempted by the same things. Your weaknesses may not be the same as mine.

Ways to Overcome:

1. Seek a way out which God has promised us He will provide (Rom. 13: 14; 1 Cor. 10: 13);

2. Study God's Word regularly to strengthen yourself from the Devil's onslaught (2 Tim. 2: 15; Mt. 4: 1-11; Psa. 119: 11; Jas. 4: 7-8);

3. Avoid situations and individuals that would cause you to sin (1 Thess. 5: 22);

4. Draw strength from your Christian friends;

5. Accept personal responsibility when you've sinned and seek forgiveness;

6. Finally, realize that temptation is an ongoing part of human existence. As long as you wake up on this side of the soil, Satan will keep up his attacks.

Keep the faith, y'all!

Love Ya,
God Bless!