What's God's Antidote for Temptation's Poison?

 It seems impossible to constantly be in good standing with oneself.  This is caused by careless behavior and bad choices. Temptation’s cutting edge slices into our propensity to be in conflict with ourselves and, seizing the moment, lures us away from fellowship with God and others. Our joy in the Lord then slips away.

When one aspect of our Christian life fades, it doesn’t take long for God’s presence to seemingly disappear. How could something so significant be permitted to slip away? Human nature lends itself to becoming neglectful as stress and pressure mount, causing our life to fall into disrepair.

As life’s conditions deteriorate, temptation steps to the forefront with attractive substitutions. This does not mean God gives up and turns his back. Instead, Jesus had this to say, “Ask and it shall be given to you, seek and you will find, knock and the door will be opened to you.” This is God’s antidote for temptation’s cutting edge.  

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And don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one.

~Matthew 6:13 New Living Testament

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Battling Evil Assaults: Allied with God - Part 3

It may seem that God turns his back on evil. A governor once said video poker had stolen the soul of many people in his state. He spoke of a mother who left a newborn infant in her car for ten hours to play this game. The infant died from dehydration and heat. Evil is any addiction that captures your thoughts, heart, soul, and mind.

No one is beyond the influence of evil. Have you this day been tempted by evil or engaged in evil behavior or thoughts? Jesus reminds you in Matthew 6:13 to be constantly on the alert less you be led into temptation and into the hands of Satan. He specifically tells us to pray and ask God  "not to lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil."

Surviving the onslaught of evil requires letting God do his work in you by filling you with his power and courage. Ephesians 6:14 directs you to constantly keep on the breastplate of righteousness to prevent the fiery darts of Satan from penetrating your life. The nudging of the Holy Spirit enables you to keep making this choice.