Temptation is the desire to engage in short-term urges for enjoyment that can destroy long-term goals and well-being.

Suppose you have a long-term goal to run a half marathon, and completion of this goal will make you feel that you have achieved a certain level of healthy lifestyle. However, you find yourself tempted to eat sweets or junk food. And, if you keep giving in to this short-term urge, it will be impossible to reach your long-term goal of completing a half marathon.

It is not a sin to be tempted; even Jesus faced temptation (Matthew 4:1-11). However, it becomes tricky when we yield to it.

Here is what I believe—if I find an excuse good enough to convince me that it is out of my control, I will give in to that temptation. Let us talk about our favorite excuse: “I am tempted”. If I think about these three words, they actually mean “it is not in my control”.

We believe that we can’t always overtake a strong temptation, so we end up giving in. Well, if we go by this, aren’t we forever doomed? But the Bible gives us hope that our later days will be better than our former. (Haggai 2:9)

Is your temptation beyond your control?

Temptation in any form, say laziness, overeating, social media, or addictions, is our enemy. 1 Corinthians 10:13 says, “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”

This verse gives me hope that I am not the only one tempted; many before me have been tempted, and they were able to overcome it. The biggest lie we believe is that “It is impossible”. But the above verses clearly say that whatever the temptation we are facing, God will also provide the way out.

Here are a few verses that evidently tell us that God has given the enemy into our hands:

“And blessed be God Most High, Who has delivered your enemies into your hand.” Genesis 14:20

“The Lord said to Joshua, ‘Do not fear them, for I have given them into your hands; not one of them shall stand before you’.” Joshua 10:8

“Deborah said to Barak, ‘Arise! For this is the day in which the Lord has given Sisera into your hands; behold, the Lord has gone out before you.’” Judges 4:14

Does this mean God has given temptation in our hands?

A big Yes!

Wow! To know that temptation does not have any control over us, but we have full control over it changes the entire game. Every time you get tempted and you hear a lie that it is impossible to overcome, remind yourself of the above verses.

If God has given temptation in your hands, what do you do with it?

Deuteronomy 7:2 says, “and when the Lord your God delivers them before you and you defeat them, then you shall utterly destroy them”. You shall make no covenant with them and show no favor to them.”

The above verse teaches us 4 valuable instructions to follow when tempted:
1. You defeat it.
2. You utterly destroy it.
3. You make no promise/covenant with it.
4. You show no mercy/favor to it.

Temptation does not have power over us. By relying on God’s Word, the Holy Spirit, prayer, and the support of a faith community, we can stand firm against the lure of sin.

Remember, the same power that raised Christ from the dead lives in us (Romans 8:11), equipping us to overcome every temptation. So, the next time you face temptation, boldly declare, “Temptation has power over me!” and walk in the victory that Christ has already secured for you.

Regards,
Sheryl Gadre

By signing up I agree to have my personal information transfered to Mad Mimi (more information)