Sometimes we can keep coming up against a particular temptation that beats us every time. Satan is called ‘the tempter’, and he knows which temptations we’ll give in to most easily. But Paul wrote: ‘The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience.’ Jesus was ‘tempted in every way that we are, but he did not sin’ (Hebrews 4:15 NCV). It can feel very discouraging when we keep falling for the same temptations, but God has made a way for us to turn temptation into triumph: ‘Now he can help those who are tempted, because he himself suffered and was tempted’ (Hebrews 2:18 NCV). We might think that when we’re saved, we no longer have to face temptation. But the reality is that when we’re saved, we’ll probably face more, stronger temptation as Satan tries to turn us away from God. Temptation can hit us when we feel strongest, and knock us down and kick us when we feel weakest. That’s why the Bible says, ‘If you think you are strong, you should be careful not to fall…But you can trust God, who will not permit you to be tempted more than you can stand’ (1 Corinthians 10:12-13 NCV). This teaches us two things: First, we will be tempted, so we should prepare ourselves for it. Second, we won’t face a temptation that we can’t overcome. We might not think we have the strength by ourselves, but that’s when we need to lean on God and His strength to withstand the temptation we’re faced with. God is faithful, and He’ll answer the prayer ‘Do not cause us to be tempted, but save us from the Evil One’ (Matthew 6:13 NCV).

What Now?

Write down anything that you know you’re tempted by. Set aside some time today to take your list to God. Tell Him about each thing on it, and ask Him give you the strength to turn away from the things that tempt you.