Scripture:
James 1:12 ESV Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.
Devotion:
Temptation is simply defined as a strong urge or desire to have or do something that is bad, wrong, or unwise. However, the bible defines the word temptation as being a trail in which man has a free choice of being faithful or unfaithful to God. When I think of the ability of having a free choice to choose, the theory is unsettling but true. During our trials and tribulations, we have the free choice to fall back into temptation or stand strong against it while using the spiritual weapons that we have. Temptation stems from the desires that we have within ourselves. It is generated from the fleshly sights that we see, want to have, or have experienced once before. Even when we are at the weakest point of our day or life, the enemy will use our past to lure us back into a sinful state of mind. However, we don’t have to allow the enemy to use what we once did as his tool of choice to cause us to fall short. God is always with us no matter what. It is us that often leaves Him when the toughest storms enter our lives and it does not seem like the sun will shine through those dark thick clouds. Yes, Temptation will come, and it will go, but it is the path that we take which determines the outcome. During those storms, it is important to stay in prayer, remain steadfast, and suit up with the armor of God. He will provide a way for you to escape the storm of temptation in his time. He will not put any more on us the we are able to handle. Just continue to trust in God and hold on to your faith. Every flower stands stronger and blooms brighter once it withstands the storm.
Prayer:
Dear Lord,
As I face each day, fill me with the courage that I need to withstand any storm of temptation that may come my way. I know that I am not alone and even during the storm, I may often forget that. Help me to recognize that it is you that can help me through any form of temptation that has been place within my sight. As I experience the battle of fighting temptation, keep me strong as I lean toward you while crushing those fleshly desires. I just want to take the time to thank you Lord in advance for the strength, wisdom, and courage that you have given to us all. Thank you for allowing me to see that we have the power to defeat any form of temptation. All I have to do is trust in myself and most importantly, trust in you. When the enemy tries to open the door to my past, keep my vision unblurred so that I don’t forget where I came from and how YOU have brought me out. In Jesus sweet name I pray, Amen.
Reflection:
Whether temptation comes in the form of natural, influential, promotional, persistent, the perfect setting, or isolation, it will hit you when you least expect it. Just remember that you have the tools and weapons to fight against them all and that God is right there with you every step of the way. Continue to trust and believe in God that he will see you through and that after you defeat each storm of temptation, you will come out stronger and brighter as you grow. Defeat equals victory and this too shall pass.
Sister Jennifer Moses
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