great things! But none of them can save you or even guarantee your success as a
Christian. And even “good Christians” will face temptation. The key is how we respond? Will we fall into Satan’s traps or stand strong through faith in Jesus Christ? Don’t forget, God’s Word is one of our greatest weapons in the war against sin. So pick it up (and read it!) daily, and hide it in your heart. Check out Hebrews 4:12, and ask God to fill you with strength and courage for the fight.
TUESDAY The Bible tells us that one of our greatest weaknesses in the fight against temptation is our own pride...thinking that we’ve got it all under control. When it comes to living your Christian life, is your attitude “I’ve got this!” or “God, I need you!”? Are you living to glorify God or glorify yourself? When we have an attitude of humility,
recognizing our own weakness and dependence on God, He will make us strong!
Sounds quite a bit different from how the world works, doesn’t it? Check out II Corinthians 12:6-10.
WEDNESDAY When you’re being tempted, it’s easy to feel very alone. But you’re not
alone! We ALL experienced temptation. It’s part of being human. Even Jesus was
tempted when He walked this earth! Being tempted isn’t a sin in and of itself. It’s how we respond to it that counts. Do you resist? Or do you give in? Resisting isn’t easy, but we CAN do it — through the power of God and His Son Jesus Christ. Read about Jesus’ experience with temptation in Matthew 4:1-11, then ask God to help you follow His example in your life.
THURSDAY Yes, we all face temptation, but talking about it isn’t comfortable or easy for most us. After all, our “weak spots” aren’t something most of us like to let others in
on. But once we recognize our “trouble spots” and ask God for His help in avoiding them, talking to someone we trust (a parent, youth leader, or Christian friend) can be another great step in building up our resistance to temptation. That person can check in, ask us honest questions, and encourage us to “do the right thing.” Read Galatians 6:1-2.
FRIDAY Are there temptations in your life that you try hard to resist, but no matter what you do, they keep creeping up on you? Maybe you don’t even go looking for them; they just keep popping up and getting in your face. In times like these, remember God is with you, and He wants to help you have the victory. So don’t rely on yourself. Look to HIM! Ask God to show you a way to escape the temptation, and then get moving in that direction. Remember: There’s ALWAYS a way out! Read I Corinthians 10:12-13.
SATURDAY Is there a particular temptation in your life that always seems to trip you up? Read James 1:13-15. One of the best ways to avoid—or resist—temptation, is to recognize it for what it is. Is it jealousy? Lying or cheating? Disobedience or disrespect to your parents? Or _____________________? (You fill in the blank…) Why not write them down and take a few minutes to ask God to give you the courage to make right choices today and going forward? He wants to hear from you, and He wants to help! Remember I Corinthians 10:13?