Standing Strong and Fighting Back – ITM 09/02/2018

In Charles Stanley’s, In Touch Ministries Daily Devotion today, September 2^nd,  Limits on Temptation, he refers to Paul’s letter to the Corinthians where Paul addresses the problems of temptation in the early church. Paul reminded them that even the ancient Israelites, the ‘Wilderness generation’, who walked with God, gave in to sinful temptations and God was not pleased. Paul talked about the early temptations of idolatry… sexual immorality… and complaining.  They craved evil things and suffered the consequences. (See 1 Corinthians 10:1-12)

Similarly, we should never assume that as believers in eternal salvation through the cross, the blood of Christ, and Jesus’ resurrection, that we are ‘free’ in Christ to do what we please.  His forgiveness is not a free pass to continue in sinful ways; we are not to perpetuate evil.  It is His will, not ours, to be done.  We are called to be a light to others.

Temptations and suffering cause us distress. And these are not worldly issues, these are spiritual issues. Each of these distressful times offers us a choice as to how we should respond. As believers we know that each choice will ultimately lead us either towards God or away from Him.

A ‘wrong’ choice, causing the distance between us and God to increase, is painful. We may try to explain it away, justify it, or make excuses for it, but that is like trying to extract yourself from quicksand by cutting your hair, trimming your nails, and then brushing your teeth.  All good things to do, but not effective for removing yourself from quicksand. All good things to do but sinking in quicksand is a problem with a time-element attached. The longer you continue to avoid the Truth of your situation, the more spiritual danger you are in. Then when you start to face the truth, you feel the real spiritual pain of shame, regret, and guilt. And, THAT, is exactly when you should rejoice and remember that you have a savior in Jesus who forgives.  And when you remember that, and you put your trust in Him, you have just turned a ‘wrong’ choice into a ’right’ one.

Each ‘right’ choice we make, brings us the joy of being in His Presence and strengthens our confidence in Him. We develop a track record that makes the next choice even easier to make, and the next, and the next… until you are running towards Him, hardly ever being slowed down by temptation, because you can’t take your eyes off Him ❤ It is then that you realize your whole life’s purpose was to rediscover your relationship with God, your creator.

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The end of this section, 1 Corinthians 10:13, was one of the first scripture verses I tried to understand and memorize.

No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

It tells us that:

1. We are not alone… your temptation is common to others.  Don’t be a drama queen, your issue is not unique; you issue does not define you.  Don’t hide from it, don’t ignore it, you will have to make a choice.  And remember, ignoring your temptation or just taking no action, is still a choice.
2. God is Faithful… he controls and limits what Satan can do. God knows you CAN bear it, He created you! A temptation doesn’t go away because you ignore it. If God is allowing it in your life, He means for you to learn something by it. A recurring temptation might mean you need to examine your previous choices 😊
3. There is a way to escape… Nobody enjoys temptations; they are spiritual tests… or worse, spiritual pop-quizzes!!! ☹ We are reminded that God is sufficient. He provides a way of escape – often through His Word, His Spirit and prayer.

I love how this devotion ends… Whenever you’re tempted and feel as if you can’t resist, remember whose you are, what He has promised, and what He’s provided for your victory.

Today, I pray, I remember that I am a child of God!

Grace, love, and peace to you.