Tuesday’s Top 10 list to help overcome temptation

Here I will share my most recent struggle with temptation and the truth that has helped me walk victoriously.

Lately I have felt uneasy about my life. My family is in a season of transition with my husband in full-time school and in between jobs. On top of that, I have not been offered the classes that I had hoped to teach this semester. And, the present state of our economy often adds to my unsettled mind.

With this unease, I have fought the urge to overspend. When I say overspend I mean that I am tempted to spend money I don’t have in order to buy things that I don’t need with something that I shouldn’t use (a credit card). In this situation I am tempted to look to something other than God to calm and quiet my heart.

The urge to do something “wrong” is not a sin. The urge to not do what we should is also not a sin. That “urge” is simply temptation. If we follow it and act upon it; it becomes sin.
(Notice that I am not expanding upon right and wrong. God’s Word is clear on many do’s and don’ts and the Holy Spirit brings personal conviction.)

Here is my top 10 list along with my Scripture meditation to help overcome temptation. Each week I will add a post and expand upon these truths one at a time.

1. TEMPTATION IS COMMON!
You and I are not alone in the temptations we face. We all have our weaknesses and struggles.

2. GOD IS FAITHFUL!
God alone quiets the heart. There is no substitute. So, waiting on the Lord becomes important.

3. YOU CAN BEAR IT!
Patience is developed in the midst of our trials and temptations. I know. I know. I don’t like it either.

4. LOOK FOR THE WAY OF ESCAPE!
God wants to build us up so that eventually the things of this world have no hold in us.

5. CALL FOR PRAYER!
Satan loves the dark. Bring your struggle to the light. Confide in someone you can trust and ask for prayer.

6. STAY ACCOUNTABLE!
Find an accountability partner. Find someone trustworthy who does not struggle with the same thing.

7. LOOK TO THE WORD!
Look into the Bible for answers. Ask God to give you specific Scriptures that will speak to your temptation.

8. SEEK COUNSELING IF NEEDED!
When you feel stuck, seek out a godly counselor.

9. SHUN ALL APPEARANCES OF EVIL!
Stay away from what entices you for a season until you are strong enough to be around it. For example, if overspending is your weakness, then get rid of the unnecessary credit cards.

10. EXPECT VICTORY! STAND UP UNDER IT!
Remember the One who has gone before you. Jesus overcame temptation and lived a sinless life. He has given us His Spirit to depend upon daily. Expect that you will overcome!!!

1 Corinthians 10:13 (New International Version)
No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. 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 stand up under it.

A prayer for you:
Lord, bless my sister and help her in any temptation she may face. Help her to find you in the midst of her needs. In Jesus name. John 8:32