It doesn't matter how long you have been serving God, you will continually be faced with temptation. However, temptation isn't something that we readily talk about. If we are honest, most of us don't want other people to know what we are tempted with.
Some of us are tempted with greed. Some with lust. And others with pride. We can begin to feel isolated in our temptation and we may begin to assume that others would think less of us if they only knew the extent of our temptations. The truth is that the temptations that you face are common and not unique to you.
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. -1 Corinthians 10:13
Many people misquote this verse and say “God won't give you more than you can handle.” What it actually says is that you won't be “tempted” more than you can handle. And then He promises that there will always be a way of escape.
Are you walking in humility before God? Is your prayer, “Lord, let Your will be done”?
If you have driven on a toll road you have probably seen road signs on the highway that will say “last exit before toll.” This means that if you want to avoid paying the toll you need to get off now. There is still a way of escape. If you pass the exit then you will be forced to pay the toll.
Every temptation is like this. There is always a way of escape. You may not notice it. You may ignore it. But it is always there, inviting you to resist the temptation and avoid the sin.
Did you know that you can resist the attacks of the devil? You can resist the temptations that you face. They do not have to overcome you!
Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. -James 4:7 (NIV)
This verse is one of the most famous ones that is used when discussing temptation. And it seems very empowering to “resist the devil and he will flee.” But usually when this verse is talked about the first sentence is ignored. The part about submitting yourself to God.
Sure, we like the idea of resisting the devil. But you will never be able to adequately resist the devil if you have not first submitted yourself fully to God. Are you walking in humility before God? Is your prayer, “Lord, let Your will be done”? Then and only then are we able to resist the temptations that come our way.
When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness He wasn't caught off guard. He was prepared. He fought off the temptation with speaking Scripture. Do not let temptation catch you by surprise. Be prepared and ready for it. And when temptations come, make sure to look for that way of escape.
