Overcoming Temptation
Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak (Mar. 14:38).
The antidote to temptation is prayers and watchfulness. I have no doubt that many people pray to avoid temptation, what I found worrisome is the attitude of people towards the temptation. It is not uncommon to see people playing with the object of temptation while praying against it.
To be watchful means to be at alert, looking out for the possibility of something happening.
The believer must understand the strategy available to defeat his foes. God in his wisdom leads us through instructions thereby thwarting the enemy’s plan. He told Peter, “Satan has desired to have you…but I have prayed for you.” The potency of prayer is usually made plain when instructions are given. Prayer handles the spiritual while instructions handle the physical. Satan is a defeated foe but he has devices. We overcome by prayers and obedience to instructions. Never let one replace another.
Your own ears will hear him. Right behind you a voice will say, “This is the way you should go,” whether to the right or to the left (Isaiah 30:21).
There are times that the best option is to flee while at other times we must listen to the voice of the Spirit to know what to do. Whichever way, giving in to temptation is never an option. The hymn writer says, “yield not to temptation, for yielding is sin. Each victory will help you some others to win.” Shalom!
©Olusola John.