Preparing for Temptation

Temptation.  We all face it, so how do we prepare for it?

Ephesians 6:16-18 (CJB) Always carry the shield of trust, with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the Evil One.  And take the helmet of deliverance; along with the sword given by the Spirit, that is, the Word of God;  as you pray at all times, with all kinds of prayers and requests, in the Spirit, vigilantly and persistently, for all God’s people.

In most English versions, this verse says the shield of faith.  In the Complete Jewish Bible it is translated trust.    We must have the shield of trust.  I am amazed at how that one change in word impacted my view of temptation.

Trust in God is the shield we use to put out the fire in the attacks of the enemy. I can’t stop attacks from coming, but trust in God can be a shield to dull the  impact.  If I believe what the Word of God  says I will act on it in faith or trust in Him. Obedience to God will impact the arrows the enemy shoots our way.

We can’t truly place trust in God until we come to the saving knowledge of Him.  Salvation delivered me from the ultimate trap of the enemy – Hell and separation from God.  When the enemy attacks my mind, it is Salvation that I can hold on to as the ultimate protection.  Regardless what comes against me, my eternity is seal with God.  Satan can’t take that.

The Word of God takes me to deeper levels of understanding of the character and promises of God.  Jesus used the Word of God to combat temptation, how much more do we need it.  The Word is a sword of defense as it shows me who I am and whose I am.  The Word is a sword of offense because it contains the promises of God.  The more time I spend in the Bible, the better I am armed against the enemy.

Talking and listening to God is another way I can grow my trust in God.  Prayer is an important discipline in our lives. The more I talk with Him, the easier it is for me to go to Him in my times of temptation.  The more I listen to Him, the more familiar I become with His voice.  I can trust His voice and discern His voice from the voice of the enemy.

God had equipped us with everything we need to defeat the enemy.  We can place our trust in salvation, the Word of God, and the voice of God.  Greater is He that is within us, than He that is in the world.