Enduring temptation

“No temptation has taken you except what is common to man. God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted above what you are able, but will with the temptation also make the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭10:13‬ ‭‬‬

Enduring temptation, I realize most of the time I would rather just avoid the temptation. I try not to keep certain foods in my house because I know they really tempt me. I know I often give in to the temptation. God has given me the spirit of self-control. I also realize I choose not to exercise it in certain times. The scripture doesn’t say God provides a way for us to avoid temptation. It says we will endure it – to bear patiently.

When I’m fasting, my husband will apologize or ask if it is OK when he’s going to be cooking something I particularly fond of. He knows the temptation is there and is trying to help. Every now and then I will ask him to take whatever it is on a day that I won’t be home. Generally my response though is “there’s no sacrifice without temptation.”

Fasting is crucify in the flesh. It is much easier to avoid then to have to crucify my flesh. So when fasting, I make the decision to endure the temptation. some days it’s not a battle other days it’s a constant choice to escape and endure. I know those times I am supposed to rely on God strength, not my own. I know there areas and times where I still need to rely on His strength more.

• Like when I’m tempted to just sit in front of the television on instead of doing things that are more important.
• Or when I’m tempted to drive just a little bit faster to cut time off my commute.
• The temptation to skip the exercise and just relax instead despite the fact my body is His temple.
• The temptation to correct a trivial matter instead of just letting it go.

I have to chose to endure past and through temptation if I am ever going to stop being tempted by it. I have to let God teach me the way to escape, so I can do the same thing the next time the temptation comes. I have to create the habit of easily walking away until I am no longer tempted.

Lord, thank you for never allowing me to be tempted beyond what I can bear. You have strengthened me to endure temptation and You provide me a way out. Help me to chose your way every time instead of giving in to temptation.