Daily Devotion

December 8, 2014

Dealing with Temptation


“When you are tempted, he will…provide a way out.” 1Co 10:13 NIV

Temptation brings with it feelings of guilt. As a result we get discouraged and think, “If I were a better Christian I wouldn’t have such thoughts. I’ve prayed, over and over. Why doesn’t God just take it away?” Temptation never goes away! Prayer doesn’t remove it, prayer just drives you closer to God and He gives you power over it. “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (Jas 4:7 NIV). The Bible says, “The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand…he will show you a way out so…you can endure” (1Co 10:13 NLT). When you’re tempted you never have to wonder what is the right thing to do. God makes His will clear in Scripture and He’s given us His Spirit to convict, guide, and empower us. Plus, we can “approach the throne of grace with confidence…and find grace to help us in our time of need” (Heb 4:16 NIV). Richard Blackaby writes: “It’s a mistake not to take temptation seriously. Many who’ve succumbed, thought they were strong enough to resist…When wickedness surrounds you, never assume you’re immune…remove [yourself] from temptation’s way…‘Put away the evil from among you’ (De 22:21 NKJV). Keep any form of temptation out of your home, your relationships and your mind by maintaining your love relationship with God and recognizing you’re powerless to resist in your own strength. When Joseph was tempted to commit adultery he fled (See Ge 39:12). Darkness and light can’t co-exist. Run from the darkness to the light.”

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