Power for Resisting Temptation

Resisting is a common behavior that’s learned early in childhood. Even a toddler resists obeying all the rules, and this applies to every age and stage of life. The cutting edge of temptation is designed to confuse the teachings of the Bible as well as the values taught by the family, church, and society.

A rationale against resisting temptation is that it questions the absurdity of resisting what doesn’t appear dangerous or bad. However, our perception of reality can be deceived by misleading influences and powers insisting temptation is harmless and of no consequence.

Where does power come from to resist temptation? It comes first and foremost from the Holy Spirit by shifting your focus away from the temptation and on who Jesus Christ is and what he means to you. Listen to Psalm 28:7: "The Lord is my strength and shield, my heart trusts in him and I am helped." Let it be so with you right now.

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So use every piece of the Lord’s armor to resist the enemy whenever he attacks, and when it is all over, you will still be standing up.

~Ephesians 6:13 The Living Bible

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Strength to Manage Demanding Situations

The innate will to survive is human beings’ most enduring strength. When pain reaches a particular intensity, most people, motivated by fear of dying, seek medical help. A healthy body is one source of our strength. However when facing insurmountable problems, David declared in Psalm 28:7 that God was his strength and shield.

Habakkuk, the Old Testament prophet, made this declaration: “The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes me as sure footed as the deer and keeps me safe.” He could make this declaration because he trusted God always to be at work for his best good in every situation.

Strength comes from accepting the truth of your circumstances. As you realize that God is the source of your strength, alternatives for managing demanding situations become clear. Confidence that God gives strength to overcome each situation you face produces the will to love him completely with that strength. So be receptive to this truth.            

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The Lord gives strength to his people and blesses them with peace.

~Psalm 29:11 Good News Bible

 

Your people did not conquer the land with their swords; they did not win it by their own power; it was by your power and your strength, by the assurance of your presence, which showed that you love them. You are my king and my God; you give victory to your people.  

~Psalm 44:3-4 Good News Bible

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Strength to Transform Bad to Good

Strength is an attribute that’s admirable when fused with integrity and good judgement. Conversely, brutality inflicted on others to cause emotional and physical suffering is immoral. Brutality clashes with loving God with all your strength. This commandment embraces healthy mental, physical, and emotional strengths.

So strength has many components to call upon to equip us for overcoming desperate situations or inner weaknesses. Strength is infused with an urgency to display the highest quality of courage and grace. This is what happens when all the strength one possesses is transformed into action for the good of others and oneself.

What’s involved in loving God with all your strength? There must be a sense of gratitude expressed to God that demonstrates you’re indebted to him for giving you forgiveness and a clean slate. Realizing that God gave his most beloved treasure to redeem and save you should arouse such gratitude you can’t help but love him with all your strength. 

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The Lord is my strength and my shield. My heart trusts him. I was helped, my heart rejoiced, and I thank him with my song.

~Psalm 28:7 Common English Bible

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Changing Times – in His Hands

In Ecclesiastes, Solomon contrasts opposite times we will go through in our lifetimes. “There is a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to harvest, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance.” God has a plan and timing for each event that intercepts our lives.

A few years ago on a mission trip to Mexico, we had some free time to go sight-seeing and shopping. As we prepared to pay for our selections, one of our friends discovered someone had stolen her wallet. Her joy had also been stolen and replaced by anger and disbelief.

To my friend’s credit, she reclaimed the joy of serving those to whom we came to minister. Be on guard to inadvertently stealing someone’s joy by permitting a negative attitude and disposition to infiltrate who you are and your ministry for Christ Jesus. Accepting God’s perfect timing for everything is the secret to activating the joy Jesus gives. 

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I trust in you, Lord; I say, “You are my God.” My times are in your hands; deliver me from the hands of my enemies, from those who pursue me.

~Psalm 31:14-15 New International Version

The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust in him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.

~Psalm 28:7 New Living Translation

Crisis and Reality - Part 1

The word crisis from the Chinese language means opportunity or danger. Danger represents a potential change or loss from which great pain can be prolonged for years. Danger implies a potential crisis you're forced to face regardless of other choices you would rather make. Opportunity suggests positive choices with minimal stress.

The effectiveness with which we handle a crisis is connected to our ability to manage reality constructively. Ability includes a mentality for comprehending the seriousness of a given situation including a sense of what and who caused a crisis. Ability indicates skills that will be used to affect a productive change.

A personal crisis may come from neglecting our body, family, work, or other relationships. Constructively managing reality begins by giving Christ Jesus first place in your life. It means trusting him with every aspect of your life. When you activate this step, you're in a position to choose opportunities that advance God's purpose and plan for your life.