Temptation

Have you ever decided you are not going to do something and within the blink of an eye you are tempted to do it? 

I will use a silly example, I decided I am not buying any makeup unless it is a product to replace something I used to the last drop or speck, and then I see a product from Bare Minerals called Invisible Glow Powder in Fair to Light. Do I need it? No. Do I want it? Yes. Have I been tempted to drive over to the local Ulta or swing by Sephora on the way to Houston to purchase it? Yes. Have I? Not so far.

We make up our minds (whether the matter is trivial or serious) and very quickly in most cases, we are tempted to reverse our decision. We try to rely on willpower. Willpower won't cut it. Neither will pulling ourselves up by our bootstraps or the stiff upper lip thing. That is all about us, not about the Lord and His strength. 

He strengthens us, all we need to do is pray. Paul makes it so clear to us in Philippians 4:5-7 (ESV):

 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Maybe we need to pray about the matter in our regular prayer time and we are done with it for a while or we may find ourselves praying about it again the same day because Ulta is in the same shopping center as Kroger and we cannot put off grocery shopping another day. 

Though I used a silly example, I do not take the topic of temptation lightly. We must remain in prayer, keep our focus on Him, we can do all things through Him!

In Philippians 4, Paul goes on to say:

 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.  What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity.  Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.  I can do all things through him who strengthens me.