Overcoming Temptations

Overcoming Temptations
Do you ever wrestle with temptations? Of course, you do! The fact is, the world, the flesh, and the devil tempt us every day. Satan doesn't like it when people follow Jesus, so he tempts us to follow our own desires instead of God's will. If we are serious about overcoming temptations, we must claim God’s promises that He has given us in His Word. Over the years, I have heard countless people say, “I couldn’t help myself; the temptation was impossible to resist.” Friends, when we say that, we are calling God a liar! God's word tells us He will always offer an escape from temptation. It may not be easy, it may be painful, and it might even be embarrassing, but God has promised us a way out.
When the enemy tempts us to step out of God's will, what should we do? Friends, our weapon of choice against Satan, our infernal foe, is the word of truth found in scripture. Truth is our antidote for temptation! We may never find ourselves in a desert wilderness like Jesus, but Satan still attacks us in the wilderness of our minds. That is where all our temptation battles are won or lost. When God gives us an idea, it’s an inspiration. When Satan gives us an idea, it’s a temptation! We have to choose which thoughts we are going to dwell on. Temptation often comes at us when least expected. Jesus warned His disciples and us to pray and stay alert. Joshua tells us to “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful (Josh.1:8).” Satan isn’t afraid of our opinions, but he is terrified of the truth. God’s word is sharper than any two-edged sword, and it will prosper us and keep us successful in defeating temptation, but it can only do so if it is committed to memory. So, arm yourself with God's Holy Word; it’s our most effective weapon in overcoming temptations.
Have a Blessed and Holy Lent,
Fr. Greg+

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