When was the last time you were tempted? How did you handle it? If you’re like me, well, it could have gone better.
In Genesis 3 Eve was tempted. She handled it with her own reasoning, her own logic. She just didn’t know what she didn’t know!
That snake (both literally and figuratively!) engaged her in conversation. She was too naïve to realize she should have taken off running!
She did not understand that partial truth is not really truth at all.
She didn’t realize not to question the cost of obedience, but to just do it!
I can relate to her all too well. Too bad I don’t always know what I don’t know.
There must be another way!
There is. We see the perfect example of how to deal with temptation successfully, every time, in Luke 4. Jesus was tempted and He demonstrated how to best handle it: wield the Truth of Scripture.
Jesus knew the Word of God.
He knew exactly what it said.
He also knew the heart behind the words. So when satan tried to twist the meaning, Jesus could easily call him out.
Jesus showed us exactly what to do: quote the Truth.
Once we have tucked the Truth of God’s word in our hearts and minds and memories, we can rely on the promise found in Matthew 10:19-20. “But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say for it will not be you speaking but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.” (NIV)
Our “arresting” may literally be cuffs or simply cunning of the enemy. Either way, with the Word of God tucked into our hearts, minds and memories, the Spirit is poised to remind us of the Truth.
The Holy Spirit will prompt and remind us when we need to recall that Truth. The Holy Spirit will help us in time of need, and He knows exactly what works. We need to follow His prompting!
Another promise we can cling to is that the enemy will depart from us; he will not stay with us all the time. But we must recall he only departs for a time, and then returns, as “satan is prowling around like a roaring lion looking for anyone he can devour.” (I Peter 5:8. NIV).
I know I don’t really relish this idea that I am a moving target and that at any time, I could be challenged. But I do know that God grows faith through challenges and He promises to not leave any of us alone.
I Peter 5:10 reminds us how great a God we serve, and just how much He loves us! “And the God of all grace, who called you to glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” (NIV)
He promises to restore us and build us up! That promise makes the trudging through more palpable.
And we know there is an end in sight! Even this will not last forever. Whatever your this is, know that God has it and holds you, and these temptations will end.
Truth. The simple answer to life’s complicated question of how then, do I handle this temptation?
Recall that anything we stumble into is common to man. ( I Corinthians 10:13) Although we may feel alone, we are indeed not. And there is always a way out. (I Corinthians 10:13 )
Eve didn’t have the benefit of Scripture recorded and available at her fingertips. But we do. We can read it. We can listen to it. We can recite it.
Let’s make sure we devour His Truth so that the enemy does not devour us!
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for giving us Your Truth, and in so many formats. The important thing is that I pour Your Truth into my heart, my mind and my memory. Please help me to do just that. Help me to prioritize digesting Your Truth and living it out. Help me recall it in times of challenge and to rely on Your promises. In Jesus’ name, Amen.