My Reflections on Temptations (III)

Let me conclude this way...

Am I being myopic because I talk about temptation and seem to be justifying God (and excluding excuses)? No!

Am I being dishonest? No way

Just as in any race in life, without preparation, people do not finish, so also with temptation: whoever is unprepared will yield to wrongly directed desires, and, whoever is well prepared will not yield. Why? Because God prepares us by teaching us His word, and as we learn, we know how ask by praying in faith.

• Many years ago, I used to succumb to the desire for cigarettes and alcoholic drinks. I knew I succumbed, because I honestly did not want to continue to smoke or drink (in mind and heart I hated it, but my body had become so used to it, I was unwilling to do away with it). Believe me I cried, fought the urge, time and time again. Since it was tempting, I had my battles over and over again. It is now funny to think of, but at that time, it was not. Societally, I did not care much, but as a new creation in Jesus Christ, I really wanted the power of God completely changing my life
• I had not been studying the scriptures so I had very little faith to hold. God was good to me, because, I got invited to a number of christian students organizations (fellowships, bible study, prayer times, or worship times) and those times were liberating. With time I got to pray more often (knowing God was listening) and studying scriptures (to really know the what, how, who, e.t.c about Him, myself,...), finding the good things that were done on my behalf, getting stronger in faith, and walking in more grace. Long story cut short: by grace of God I have not smoked since ~2003 December, and alcoholic desires have become dull to me.
• Note: God is the one who is making us perfect, as we continue to walk willingly with Him.
• Sobriety programs or other kick-the-habit programs, are well intentioned, though I would strongly encourage anyone who really wants to live a truly God honoring life, to go to the Father through His Son. (Freedom by Him is guaranteed) These are His words, not mine, so I am shameless to say them :).

1. There are people who would not believe these words, because it seems un-realistic and one sided.
2. There are people who do not believe in a deity, let alone the Living God.

I have no fight/quarrel with you, but only ask that you bear with me (as you might a fool) and read on. The message is primarily to the new believer in Jesus Christ, or whoever is struggling, and to them who may have become at ease with yielding to desires that are misleading.

The scriptures from Genesis to Revelations support what was written in Parts I and II, and here. The references quoted, were from Apostles James and Paul.

Help is available, if you only ask for it

In 1Corinthians 10:12-13, Paul also advised the "mature believer" to be really careful. He said "If you think u are strong, u should be careful so that u do not fall. The temptations that come to you and me, are common to every human being. We can trust God however, that He will not permit a greater temptation than we can stand, but when we are tempted, He always makes a route for escape so we can stand against it.". God then makes us aware of the situation, speaks to us on how to stand, and even drags us out, if we only say "Father, help me stand, I want to stand for your honor".

An old testament scripture that can help us, is Psalms 32:8 "The Lord says, I will show you the right way to go. I will teach you, and I will guide you with My eyes. Stop behaving stubborn like a donkey, or like a horse, for they need to be led with bits and bridle in their mouths, before they come to you".

Jesus, God himself, says more than twice "How to Pray...Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil" and in another place "Pray to God for strength to Overcome temptation" and in yet another place "Simon, Simon, satan has asked permission to sift you like wheat from chaff, but I have prayed for you that your faith should not fail. And when you recover, strengthen your brothers". Jesus prays for us too. So friend, we should not fear trials, because Jesus Has given us our in-built Defense Mechanism (Faith, and Grace to Overcome).
Last of all... Please pardon my long message... I just felt the need to share it with you. God bless...
These concluding words were copied for our pleasure and strengthening, from GreaterLuv devotional: The trial of Job has shown us that before God approved Satan’s request, he clearly defined the boundaries. Every trial or temptation that comes to you follows the same process. Satan will make known his plan to tempt you. Thereafter the scope and nature of the temptation will be defined. This includes the go and no-go areas. This request will be processed through a special machine that has taken into cognisance your ability, and thereafter approval is given to the tests that come to you. This way, you can be sure that no temptation can stretch you beyond your ability. Temptation and trials may stretch you to certain limits but not beyond your ability. This is another way of saying that whatever trial or temptations you meet in life, no matter how tough and rough, it is within your capacity and ability.