How Can I Overcome Temptation?

Daily I find myself identifying with the apostle Paul. He had the same inner struggle that you and I have. We want to do what's right, but we follow after our desires instead. We don't want to do the things that we know are wrong, yet we find ourselves doing those very things. Do you, like Paul, find yourself saying, ". . . there dwelleth in me no good thing"

Maybe in our modern day cries it sounds more like the following:

Lord, please help me . . .
I want to, but . . .
I'm so ashamed I keep on . . .
What's wrong with me? Why can't I just . . .
Lord, would You just do this for me?

The truth is, we all face temptations. Temptation comes in many forms and greets us daily. If we succumb to temptation it will take over our lives. Satan is a subtle deceiver. We may not even recognize his bait until we've been hooked. However, we may easily recognize the warning signs because they make us miserable. Some examples could include the following: confusion, fear, guilt, shame, and depression. We can KNOW this is not the abundant life God has in mind for us.

So, how can we overcome? Just like Jesus did. He was tempted, yet He did not Sin. He is our ultimate example. Let's read about His temptation and see what we can learn from Him (Please read Luke 4:1-13).

Did you notice Satan tempted Jesus several times? Satan never gives up easy; he doesn't care how long it takes to destroy us. He only cares that our relationship with Christ is hindered, and that we are ineffective and weak in our Christianity.

How did Jesus overcome temptation? On every occasion Jesus used scripture to combat His enemy. Ephesians 6:10-17 teaches us that The Word of God is our weapon of spiritual warfare.

Have you identified at least one way that Satan tries to tempt you? Follow Jesus' example. Get in the Word and find the scriptures that deal with your particular area of temptation. Freedom is yours if you will only obediently receive The Truth as revealed through Scripture.

But, How do I go about finding the Scriptures I need?
Use a Bible Concordance to help you. Try to find at least three scriptures that deal with your particular temptation. Write them down, memorize them, and use them often. If your not sure how to use a Bible Concordance, please post a question with The Girlfriends in Christ Mentors. We'll be glad to help you find what you need.

Dear Lord,

Help us to recognize Your power at work witin us. You have equipped your Children to be over-comers. Help us to desire You above and beyond our greatest temptation. Teach us to love Your Holy Word. It is Truth that brings us to freedom. I pray that we will not just be hearers of Your Word, but doers of Your Word. We know you bless obedience, and we want Your blessings on our lives. Lord, It's my prayer that we will hunger and thirst for Your righteousness, and live unashamedly for Your glory. Help us to see temptations for what they really are, a distraction from our God, a hindrance to our testimony, and an obstacle to the purposes You have intended for our lives.

In Jesus Name,
Amen