Temptation

“We all experience times of testing, which is normal for every human being. But God will be faithful to you. He will screen and filter the severity, nature, and timing of every test or trial you face so that you can bear it. And each test is an opportunity to trust him more, for along with every trial God has provided for you a way of escape that will bring you out of it victoriously.”1 Corinthians‬ ‭10‬:‭13‬ ‭TPT‬‬

I have found that investigation of solutions and seeking God in prayer works. However, sitting in the problem and wailing does not provide an escape. Neither is, ‘I’m going to beat this thing!’ Sometimes I must seek to understand the source of the temptation before I can solve it.

Not feeding on certain movies or books can keep you from the cliff, as in sexual temptation. Refusing to entertain fantasies about potential mates is another. I cannot give my mind to fantasies. I can only focus on what God has before me.

Food and drink can be a temptation to gluttony and greed. Not going there or having friends who go there is important. Get new friends! If you are strong enough set the pace for change with friends, if not, leave.

Lust for clothes, shoes, houses, cars can be managed by seeking God for His spending plan. If we think it is all ours, we have a problem. Seek God for what is seed and what is for food. Seed is for sowing, food for eating.

Temptation to lash out in anger is fleshly. Paul tells us in Romans ‘walk in the spirit and you will not fulfill the lusts of the flesh’. God has a solution, seek Him! Mercy triumphs over justice. Think on that! Amen!