Matthew 26:41 Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The Spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.

While reading this month's Joyce Meyer Magazine, I came across an article on temptation. Temptation is part of every person's life, no matter what their spiritual beliefs are. As Christians, we may be more aware, frustrated and grieved by our temptations to sin though. Temptation will never go away either. It's been there since the beginning with Eve and will always be lurking in different areas of our lives throughout our life. Every person has different weaknesses too and are tempted to do different things. Without focusing on the specifics, one thing is certain: It's not a matter of if we will be tempted, but when we will be tempted. No one is perfect and all fall short of the glory of God (every one gives into temptation and falls into sin).

There are ways though that we can overcome our temptation to sin and excerise Spiritually-led control over our flesh in order to be more like Christ and glorify God (which we desire and strive to do as Christians). I'll take a back-seat today and just let you read Joyce's article for yourself. It's only a couple of pages so if you have the time I hope you read it! It'll be well worth your while to give this area of your life energy and attention. Giving into our temptations/ sinning not only hurts ourselves in the long run, but it hurts our relationship with God and often other people. We'll never be completely free and blameless of sin, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't stop trying to flee from it. As a new creation in Christ, we are no longer a slave to it. Once we've been set free from that bondage, we are the only ones who can keep ourselves in the prison of sin.

If you don't have the time to read her article today, here's a quick synopsis:

6 Secrets to Resisting Temptation:

1. Be wise (Proverbs 5:1-2)
2. Believe you can do it (1 Corinthians 10:13)
3. Be prepared (study and meditate on God's word regarding temptation)
4. Avoid the scenes or situations that lead you to sin
5. You can't trust yourself too much- You need God's help (Galatians 3:3)
6. Remember that with God all things are possible. Keep praying and trying! God is on your side! He wants you to accomplish it and He will help you do it.

I hope this helps someone struggling with temptation! I'm blessed that right now i'm not in a season of strong temptation, other than with food, but I have experienced seasons of great temptation and I'm sure there are more to come. We can lean on God's Word to help us get through current struggles and prepare us for future ones!