“So long as we live in the world, we cannot be without trouble and trial. Wherefore it is written in Job, The life of man upon the earth is a trial. And therefore ought each of us to give heed concerning trials and temptations, and watch unto prayer, lest the devil find occasion to deceive; for he never sleepeth, but goeth about seeking whom he may devour. No man is so perfect in holiness that he hath never temptations, nor can we ever be wholly free from them.”
(The Imitation of Christ by Thomas A. Kempis, The First Book, page 14)
We don’t think about temptation as often as we should. But today it is on my mind as a beautiful chocolate cake sits in my refrigerator calling to me each time I open the door. Here’s the funny thing about the cake – I have been able to resist – so far. But if I were to take that first bite … well, I’d be eating a whole lot more than just that first bite.
So what can we learn from my friend, Tom, above?
- Trials and temptation will always be with us. Job truly does tell us in Job 7:1, “Is not all human life a struggle?” We desire to go through life trouble free and yet Jesus did tell us, “Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world” (John 16:33, NLT). Jesus has promised in the midst of temptations and trials, He will be faithful to help us overcome.
- Be faithful to prayer. The enemy will seek opportunity to deceive and trip us up. Jesus, in talking with His disciples told them, “Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!” (Matthew 26:41, NLT). We will only be able to stand firm as He enables. Pray constantly for the protection of the Holy Spirit.
- Trials and temptations serve a purpose in our lives. Most often it is through our daily struggles that we are brought closer to God as we are humbled and instructed by Him. We are never the same after a time of trial.
“Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith.”
(1 Peter 5:8-9, NLT)
Stay alert! Watch out for your enemy who prowls like a roaring lion. Stand firm against him and strong in your faith.
And take heart, for Jesus has overcome the world.
Today I am joining … Thought Provoking Thursday and Grace Moments and #ChasingCommunity and Heart Encouragement Thursday .
Good words, Joanne, for fighting temptation! There’s definitely a reason why the Bible calls it the “mortification” of sin. Sometimes, it feels like death to us.
Stay alert,yes we must not get distracted in the doing and the busyness that we forget staying alert
What a lovely message! I’m so glad I stopped by this morning. God bless!
Food is always such a temptation to me. I’ve been out of town this week so I’ve given myself the excuse that calories don’t count on vacation. But that is so not true. May I be more alert to the enemy’s strategy. Thanks, Joanne!
Oh, my goodness. Cake in the fridge and you haven’t had to leave the house to keep from eating it? 🙂 That’s pretty good resistance. 🙂 (I love cake.) Great object lesson, Joanne. Temptation can serve to bring us closer to God, can’t it? Thanks for sharing with #ChasingCommunity today, Joanne. ((hug))
I was just talking about this with my daughter and your words seem like just the right thing to speak to her heart. ( sometimes they need to hear it from someone other than mom, right?) But where I sometimes struggle is giving Him glory and praising Him in the trial. I am still learning. 🙂 So grateful He is full of grace for me.
Thank you for sharing this at the #GraceMoments Link up!
Blessings,
Dawn