There is always a way out.
“God has promised to never allow more on you than he puts within you to handle it.”
Rick Warren
Here’s how:
REFOCUS.
The Bible doesn’t teach us to “resist temptation” but does advise us to refocus our attention. Resisting a thought doesn’t work, it only intensifies it. Thoughts are like trains. There is a starting point and an end destination. We don’t typically get on a train bound for the wrong destination on purpose but if we do, we assess where we are and immediately get off at the next stop. You then get on the right train going to the right destination. It’s the same with our thoughts. It would be wise to look at the destination of a thought and if you don’t like where it’s going, get off that thought by getting on a new thought to your preferred destination. Rick Warren writes, “The battle for sin is won and lost in your mind. Whatever gets your attention gets you.”
REVEAL THE STRUGGLE.
We need Godly people in our life who we can openly and vulnerably share our struggles with. We won’t get better on our own. God’s plan of purpose and freedom involves other believers. The worst thing we can do is repress a persistent temptation.
“So take off your mask, stop pretending you’re perfect and walk into freedom.” – Rick Warren.
Why don’t we reveal our struggle? Because we like to portray that we have everything under control but the reality is, anything we can’t share is already out of our control. Willpower isn’t enough. We need care, support, accountability and encouragement. We also need to have those people in our life who love us enough to look us in the eye and tell us when we’re being a jerk.
RESIST THE DEVIL.
Faith is not passive. We are in a fight. We resist the devil by abiding in Jesus for his salvation. Is Jesus Lord? Secondly, we resist by abiding in the word of God. Replace the lies with truth.
REALISE OUR VULNERABILITY.
Let’s not fool ourselves. Any of us are capable of making mistakes. Be aware of where and with who you find yourself. It’s easier to stay out of temptation than it is to get out of it.
Summary:
Remember – There is always a way out.
Key Bible Verse – “We all experience times of testing, which is normal for every human being. But God will be faithful to you. He will screen and filter the severity, nature, and timing of every test or trial you face so that you can bear it. And each test is an opportunity to trust him more, for along with every trial God has provided for you a way of escape that will bring you out of it victoriously.” 1 Corinthians 10:13 TPT
Pray – Father, help me. Give me a way out. Open my eyes to your way.
If you want to talk, let’s talk.
Bevan
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