In this life we make so many decisions every single day! Some decisions are not very significant while others are significant. Before this life, we fought to be able to have agency and choose for ourselves to follow God. Now that we are here, we are faced daily with these decisions that can greatly influence our journey while here on earth. I would like to mention how choosing to follow God when you are tempted to do something wrong or when you feel weak can bring so much happiness!
Each person is different in what distractions or pleasures of the world entice us. Maybe for you it is Netflix, negative attitudes, laziness, chocolate, or social media. Maybe it consists of things that are more toxic like pornography, sexual temptation, or an addiction. Whatever it may be the Lord has told us in the Bible that "there hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." (1 Cor. 10:13)
Each time we choose to grasp the hand of our Savior and turn away from things that may hold us back from progression, we find joy! In my own life lately I have had temptations hit me to do things I know are wrong and I have been able to choose to walk away. I can't explain how difficult it was to walk away, but as I left those situations I felt an outpouring of peace and joy. I felt God telling me that He was proud of me.
I am thankful for these opportunities to overcome our demons because through such opportunities we come closer to Christ! As we walk away from the darkness, we walk closer to the light! I am also grateful that when we do choose to do wrong, we can repent. That gift has been given to us so that we can have joy despite our weaknesses! If you are facing a temptation that is almost too difficult to bear, double your efforts in fasting and prayer for strength! Allow this to become an opportunity to choose the right or change for the better!
Challenge: Consider a temptation you have had lately (distraction, guilty-pleasure...). Set a goal this week that you can work towards that can help you be stronger in that area. Each day this week pray for direction in overcoming the temptation and finding the needed strength.
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