How to Overcome Temptation by Running Toward God

Temptation surrounds us every day, but so does God's way of escape. The question isn't whether there is a way out—it's whether we'll choose to follow Him.

1 Corinthians 10:12-13

[12] If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall. [13] 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. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.

Temptation is ugly. The things we give up or climb over to fulfill these urges are shocking. I am sure you have been in a situation where the temptation was so strong you thought there was no way to resist. I've been there, recently too. It doesn't matter what it is: food, meaningless purchases, pleasure, or substance abuse. In the moment, all we see is what our desires are pointing out, and the other options or paths away from temptation are so faint that it's darn near impossible to see.

The things we do and the places we go play a big role in how strong our temptation becomes in those moments. If we truly want to overcome temptation, we have to be honest about what we're allowing ourselves to see and experience. For instance, if we are at the beach and there is nothing but bikinis around you, if you let even one thought stray, it will weaken your armor. Later that evening, the enemy will use that small, seemingly insignificant glance to try and destroy your purity. It's surprisingly effective.

The Bible is so clear on this stuff that there is no excuse. As it says in Matthew 26, our spirit wants to resist and stay faithful, but our body is weak. Our fleshly desires pull at us constantly, and our culture celebrates impurity, which only makes the battle harder. We must not even set foot on the path of the wicked; turn 180 degrees and go in the way the Lord created as an escape. Those small glances at what you know to be wrong are a way to give the enemy a foothold, and attacking you just became easier.

Praise God for His faithfulness. The strength and ability to resist are there in every temptation. Even though it feels impossible and too much to resist, you are not pushed beyond the ability to say no. If we want to overcome temptation, we have to take these things seriously. The Word says to flee these desires and pursue righteousness.

The word "flee" means to run from something as if it were a danger. I believe that is the perfect word to use in this situation. Run from temptation as if your life depends on it, because spiritually, it does. Every time you choose to overcome temptation instead of entertaining it, you are choosing the path God has already provided.

Running from sin is, in fact, running toward God.

Thank you, Father, for one more day. Amen.

2 Timothy 2:21-22

[21] If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work. [22] Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts.

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