I just finished talking to someone who was really struggling with a very strong temptation to go out and use. Over and over again, he kept talking about how he “shouldn’t” be having these feelings and thoughts. That if only things were different. Well, one thing that I’m sure of is that if he keeps dealing with things from a “I wish things were…” perspective, instead of a “This is how it is” point of view, that he’ll be using by morning if not before.

Victory in life starts with worshipping God in spirit and truth (John 4:10). And truth in this case is that the feelings, the temptation is real. All the wishing, the woulda’s, shoulda’s and coulda’s in the world won’t change the truth that temptations of all kinds are a fact of life.

If Satan tempted Jesus, if he tempted Paul, who are we to think that we will be exempt of these attacks from the pit of hell.

“Three times I called upon the Lord and besought [Him] about this and begged that it might depart from me; But He said to me, My grace (My favor and loving-kindness and mercy) is enough for you [sufficient against any danger and enables you to bear the trouble manfully]; for My strength and power are made perfect (fulfilled and completed) and show themselves most effective in [your] weakness. Therefore, I will all the more gladly glory in my weaknesses and infirmities, that the strength and power of Christ (the Messiah) may rest (yes, may pitch a tent over and dwell) upon me!” 2 Corinthians 12:8 – 9 [Amp]

At times of temptation, for most, the last thing they need or want is for someone to quote Bible verses to them. It comes down to, “How can I put these Bible principles to work in order to deal with what I’m facing?”

Well…

· Let go of pride, make a phone call, and reach out for help. If you don’t want to make that call, then deal with the truth that a part of you still wants to ________ (you fill in the blank).

· Tell God how you TRULY feel; He knows what’s in your heart anyway. If you can’t talk to a person, begin by being honest with YOURSELF, admit that you want to do it but don’t want to deal with the consequences.

· Play the tape all the way out. Don’t just fantasize about the “feel good” part; look at the WHOLE TRUTH. Don’t fall for Satan’s trick of only looking at a part of the deed, think about the pain that WILL COME afterwards.

· THANK the temptation for being there, in truth, it’s pointing out an idol that’s in your life. Ask God for wisdom, to show you a healthy way to deal with the pain that this idol is (falsely) promising to heal for you.

Well I could go on, tell me, “What do YOU do when temptation comes YOUR way?” Please leave your comments, think about it, what YOU have to say MAY save someone’s life!!!

Pastor Michael Larkins is the Author of “Victorious Nuggets – Transforming Self-Esteem into Christ-Esteem.

For more of his blogs go to his web site www.thewealthresponse.com