I really want you to get this: You can beat temptation. Stop saying, 'Joyce, I just do not think I can.' Take 'I can't!' out of your vocabulary.
In your own strength and by your own ability, you are right. You can't. But when you put God's Word in your heart, when you lean on His strength and trust in His promises, there is no temptation you can't overcome.
Over the years, I have noticed five things that make all the difference in overcoming temptation. First, you have got to be wise. Think about the choices you are making and the consequences before you make them. Wisdom looks ahead.
Next, you have to believe that you can resist temptation. Condemnation, guilt and shame work off of momentum, if you stop them early, they lose their power, but once they got rolling, they are hard to stop.
Third, think of facing temptation as normal life. If you are expecting a fight, you will always be ready.
Fourth, avoid areas of weakness. Do not put yourself in situations where you can easily fall. If you struggle with managing your money, do not go to the mall when you can't afford to buy anything!
And finally, do not give yourself too much credit. We do not graduate from being tempted. It is so easy to think you have matured beyond stumbling, and once that happens, you make yourself an easy target.
God wants you to trust Him to bring victory in every area of your life. By His grace, you can!
Prayer starter: God I realize temptation is a part of life. Help me not to be caught off guard or surprised when it comes. Thank You for the wisdom and grace to overcome any and all temptations and to live in Your victory.
**written by Joyce Meyer
1 Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind.
And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.
But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.
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