Blessed is anyone who endures temptation. Such a one has stood the test and will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. James 1:12
In the book Mere Christianity, C.S. Lewis says, "Only those who try to resist temptation know how strong it is." We all can relate. As Christians, the harder we fight, the more determined Satan becomes. We don't like temptation, we try to reject it, but every time we turn around, it's still there. Satan is a persistent little bugger; he doesn't stop trying. If one approach doesn't work, he will try a different tactic.
Our weapon is Jesus. It is only with his help that we can successfully overcome temptation. Lewis goes in to say, "Christ, because He was the only man who never yielded to temptation, is also the only man who knows to the full what temptation means—the only complete realist." Through the strength of the Holy Spirit within us, we are graced with the power to endure.
Thanks to Jesus, we not only win these daily battles but in the end, we win the war. Jesus was made to wear a shameful crown of thorns -- a symbol of death, but we will be rewarded with a crown of life and the opportunity to spend eternity with him who defeated temptation and death for our benefit.
God, we give you thanks for the strength to reject temptation. We confess we cannot do this on our own but need you. Please help us in all our days to reject sin that we may be with you one glorious day. We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Tim
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