Originally Written on September 19, 2014
Today’s Word: Have you ever faced down temptation? This morning there was a moment where I found myself alone with a gummy worm. I looked around to see if anyone was looking. Nope, just me and this piece of sugary goodness. I wanted to eat it so bad. However, my doctor wants me to limit my sugar and carb intake for a while. My willpower was faltering. I want to be healthier, yet the urge of my body drove me closer and closer to this sweet chewiness of utter delight.
For me, in this moment, it would have been a sin to partake of this fun and harmless treat. I knew it, and the Spirit inside me confirmed it. At that moment, I thought of this scripture, “Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Mat. 26:41). I was having trouble controlling my weak flesh. So I paused, looked to heaven and said out-loud, “Lord give me self-control”. Now I am sure the Spirit’s prayer of intercession was much more eloquent, yet my simple prayer was heard, and the power of Christ moved upon me and gave me the willpower to walk away.
We need to remember that we have no power over sin without Christ in us. Without Christ, I would have eaten that yummy gummy, yet through Christ was able to overcome.
The Word for today is that Christ has freed us from the power of sin. Therefore, we now have been given access to a greater power to overcome any temptation we face. After 40 days, Jesus overcame the temptations of Satan by means of the Holy Spirit’s power within Him. Rejoice that we have access to this same Spirit; and if the same Spirit, the same power.
Here is a challenge for us today. Let us take the time to face down a temptation. I pray that someone here, will find victory over their temptation after you read this. If you do, I would love to hear about it so we can rejoice in the Lord together. May God’s power flow through you today…