Temptation, a Battle to Be Won!
June 14, 2017·Tyler Shaw
As I reflect on the many temptations we all face, I am reminded just how weak my flesh can be. I am not referring to some of the “outwardly sinful” temptations that may immediately come to mind, but, for me especially, I am tempted quite often to “worry.” What can start as a “second thought” about something I said or did, can turn in to an all out battle in my mind for peace.
Over the years that I have walked with and served the Lord, this weakness has become more evident to me. It’s as if I “fall asleep” in my diligence to fend off my flesh in this area.
In our “Pause” reading plan this week, we read in Mark 14:38, “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” In this passage, Jesus is referring to another one of those not-so-outward “temptations”…sleep. Sleep is a good thing. In fact, it’s a great thing! But at this hour, Jesus asked His disciples to persist in prayer on His behalf. He desired to enlist his friends for the Spiritual battle in His last hours. But instead, Jesus found them asleep at this most critical time. Not once, not twice, but three times…each time Jesus calling them out.
Well, I can sometimes fall into a similar not-so-outward temptation to “worry.” Each time I give in to my flesh, not taking the time to pray, and to truly cast my cares upon Him, I fan the flames of my flesh until my mind is fully engulfed in worry (and sometimes, nonsense).
But…there is hope, because the Lord is good and can always be counted on when we choose to trust Him, side with His Word, and cast our cares upon Him. When we choose to believe His Word and His amazing promises, we can then receive His comfort, deliverance and His peace that passes all understanding. So the next time you face a temptation to obey the flesh when you know giving in will only lead to disappointment and frustration (if not worse), remember Jesus’ wise encouragement, spoken at the most critical time of His human life, “the spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” Friend, let’s choose to pray fervently and allow the willing spirit to give us the strength and ability to overcome temptations of every kind.
