I know exactly what it was. I know that the enemy of our souls is not creative. I know that he will use ANYTHING that has worked before to see if we (I) will fall for it again. The Word calls them ‘strongholds’ and warns us to guard against anyone or anything that can take us captive. After all, Jesus came to set captives FREE! John 8:36 says “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” That, my friends, is a promise.
So what so we do when we are tempted? Not IF, but WHEN. I think the best thing to do is walk away. That works for the physical proximity of the temptation, but the thoughts that begin to crop are are usually the deeper issue. I believe that one of our greatest playgrounds are our minds. BUT, we do have the power to take each thought captive and compare it to the TRUTH of God’s word. I heard Pastor Dan quote Billy Sunday once, saying: “One reason sin flourishes is that it is treated like a cream puff instead of a rattlesnake." How true.
Today, I will walk away and think on what is true when tempted. Care to join me?
Take care-
4 comments:
Just curious, Lisa. When you say you were delivered, was it that the desire suddenly went away or was it day by day for you?
I tried smoking several times, but didn't enjoy it enough to get addicted. Thank God. I have enough on my plate with wine. Aside from the fact that it just not good for me, it is expensive, too.
Hey Anon-
For me, it was a true deliverance from smoking. I had not planned to stop when I did. God dealt with me in a way that I knew it was Him and I walked out, through obedience, what I knew I was being told to. I never looked back.
It has not always been as simple. I have wrestled with other life-controlling issues that I could only WISH God would just take away. They have turned out to be the 'thorn' in my side. With them, however, I know what is best for me, so I have been better at taking a slow and steady pace at changing my behaviors as I wait for God to change my heart.
LK
Lisa- For me the big vices-alcohol and pot-dropped right off with no effort. Cigarettes on the other hand leave me feeling helpless, I know to quit but can't even get up the muster to even try. Its like Ro 7:15 everyday. Its like God is saying "Take the first step and I will be with you to carry you over the finish line" but yet I hesitate. Putting forth no effort.
Mike
Hey Lisa,
I was drawn in by the cream puff, thought you'd been baking again! Hmmm, using my weaknesses to get me into your blog, good idea, I may borrow.
When I see, or know I am being attacked, I flee, as fast and as far as I can! It's those times that I am lulled into the thing that I fail to protect myself. The enemy calls to me and in his sweetest voice tells me that this pretty, bright red apple, which is also delicious, is just for me. I can share with Adam if I want too but it's all mine so I don't have to. Soft music in the background. Then the sucker punch!
I always feel so stupid afterwards because as my mother would say, "can't see what's right in front of your face!" OY!
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