Temptations

“Every test that you have experienced is the kind that normally comes to people. But God keeps his promise, and he will not allow you to be tested beyond your power to remain firm; at the time you are put to the test, he will give you the strength to endure it, and so provide you with a way out.” ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭10‬:‭13‬ ‭

In 2022, my word for the year was Endurance. The tests that I walked through last year weren’t what I expected. I switched jobs. I increased my hours in private practice. I took on some new challenges. I found peace knowing that what I experienced others have also walked through. There is not comfort that others walk through terrible tests, but there is in knowing I am not alone.

I admit my biggest temptation is food. I am a picky eater, but I enjoy food. Over the years through fad diets and even healthy coaching, I have learned a lot about my temptations. One thing that is most successful in helping me overcome is to stay away from certain foods. I know if I stay away from sugar, I don’t crave it. However, if I start eating sugar it is much harder for me to say no following. It is a simple way to endure temptation, although not always easy.

So often I want God to remove the temptation. He wants me to endure by remaining firm in my ability to say “no” in the face of temptation. Sometimes that will mean I make the choice to remove my from areas where there is temptation. For example, I don’t have to go into the ice cream store if I am tempted to eat ice cream and I might avoid the ice cream section in the grocery store.

Other times I have to chose to say “no” despite the availability of my temptation. An example would be the donuts and cake sitting on the table in my work break room. I sat and ate my lunch with both staring me in the face. I shared with my coworkers that I am working to avoid processed sugar this year. I acknowledged my temptation, and I still said no.

There might also be times where the thing is not bad in and of itself. So I might limit the times I would say yes, but still chose to participate in moderation. I might have said, “this cake is for a going away party for a coworker. I will eat a small piece to celebrate with my coworker but I am choosing not to eat more than this piece.”

It is easy for me to want to blame my weakness at times when I give in to the temptation on anyone else. It is easier to look at others, or blame the enemy than it is to look at myself. However, God has given each of us a way out of tests and temptations. Regardless of others influence or the enemy’s motive, He has given us the ability to endure without giving in to the temptation.