The Better Way to Fight Temptation
The words spoken by our Instructor impressed me deeply. Of those who led tried and tempted lives, the question was asked: “How do you deal with your difficulties? Do you harness yourself for an encounter with trial and temptation? And then do you lay hold on these temptations, as you suppose you must, while your spirit is hot within you, and wrestle with them, quite sure that this is what you ought to do? As you battle with your covetousness and uncharitableness on their own ground, do you come out victor?–No; you come out discouraged, bruised, and wounded, bound and enfeebled spiritually.
“What should you do? Simply put your whole trust in the One who understands your temptations and trials, the One who alone can master temptation. If you had not been premature in your efforts, you need not have fought so terrible a battle; for the Captain of your salvation was at work for you, ready to do for you that which you can not do for yourself, and to leave you free to do that which He has told you to do,–learn of Him His meekness and lowliness. He has been tempted in all points ‘like as we are’ and He knows how to succor those who are tempted. Had you first talked with God in prayer, by faith grasping His promises, you would have received strength for the conflict.”–Unpublished Testimony.—General Conference Bulletin, April 3, 1903, par. 6,7
www.path2prayer.com
Monday Apr 2017
Hi, I’m Joyce! I’m here to listen and to pray for you.
YOU ARE NOT ALONE.
Write to Joyce
Know that as often as you come to Me, humbling yourself and asking My forgiveness, I pour out a superabundance of graces on your soul, and your imperfection vanishes before My eyes, and I see only your love and your humility. You lose nothing but gain much. -Divine Mercy In My Soul
1. Prepare. Avoidance is still the best defense. The time of peace is the best time to prepare for war.
2. All grace comes from God. Pray to receive grace to overcome temptation.
3. Fill your mind with good thoughts. Remind yourself of the things that give the most meaning to your life.
4. As yourself: Is this something you’d be ashamed of? Then don’t do something you’d be ashamed of.
5. Ask yourself: Do you somehow know it’s not right? Then don’t do it, period. Stop talking, bargaining or reasoning with a deceiver.
6. Ask yourself: What is it stealing from you?
7. Ask yourself: Whom are you offending or hurting?
8. Ask yourself: What kind of person is it turning you into?
9. Keep on fighting even if you fall. Do not despair. Trust in God’s infinite mercy.
10. Ask for help whenever possible. Avoid isolating yourself.
1 Corinthians 10:13 (WEB) No temptation has taken you except what is common to man. God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted above what you are able, but will with the temptation also make the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
366 Days of Compassion One Year Devotional Book“Your companion for healing.”
“The deepest wounds of the soul are healed only by compassion… People do not merely need to be clothed, they need to be
embraced with love.
A love that enters into their own fears and frailty, a love that suffers with them and stays with them
through their darkest hour.” READ MORE – 366 Days of Compassion I will betroth you to me forever. Yes, I will betroth you to me in righteousness, in justice, in loving kindness, and in compassion. – Hosea 2
itakeoffthemask.com
Articles 
Published on September 7th, 2016 | by Claire Sandercock
We have all been tempted to either do something wrong or simply to not do something right.
Temptation begins with the little, easy things like not really doing that chore or losing my temper quickly with my brother. I can only imagine where they go from there.
But since I have begun to intentionally do little hard things, flying in the face of these impulses and refusing to bow to them, the temptations to shirk or shout have not gone away.
Because our Enemy does not like us doing anything for God, I have found myself more open than ever to temptation. If Satan can get me to fall and then pin me down under my guilt, he is ever hopeful that I will never get up again to carry on God’s work.
Jesus went through temptation just like we do, but He did not sin. That is why He gave us this promise:
“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to humanity. God is faithful, and He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation He will also provide a way of escape so that you are able to bear it.” — 1 Corinthians 10:13
While comforting, I never found that the promise held true. I cannot count the number of times I have given in to temptations to slack on my chores, or disobey my parents, or any number of other failings. I was expecting God to bar Satan from my path and let me walk happily along.
But would that grow my faith? Would it deepen my relationship with God?
No, it is trouble, hardship, and perseverance that do those things.
When I was drafted into God’s army, I received my armor and weapons by His own hand. But I found them unnatural and difficult to use, so I ignored them. I have been attacked and conquered with loaded weapons in my hand! God had provided me with three all along: Avoidance, Warfare, and Accountability.
Avoidance
“How happy is the man who does not follow the advice of the wicked or take the path of sinners or join a group of mockers!” — Psalm 1:1
This is guerrilla warfare. We have our orders—it will be a small operation, diving in, throwing the enemy off our shoulders, and running out. They won’t know what hit them.
Simply removing the temptation from your path so it can’t come across again is the first measure in battling temptation. Turn away from your annoying little sibling before you start shouting. Put that amazing book in your parents’ care until you have finished your tasks.
Avoidance takes wisdom to know how to tie up the desire, but God provides that, too!
Warfare
“Therefore, submit to God. But resist the Devil, and he will flee from you.” — James 4:7
Our army is a motley crew. Not everyone has a sword, there are not many rifles, and only a couple of tanks. But we all have prayer.
Prayer is by far the most potent weapon we have available to us in the fight against Satan.
We are under orders to use this weapon in every encounter, but it is even more valuable when there is no way to remove the temptation. Prayer serves two purposes: first, it takes the mind off of whatever the temptation is, and second Satan will realize that attacking you turns you into a prayer warrior, working harder than ever for God’s kingdom.
You will be surprised at how quickly he will flee.
Accountability
“Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The urgent request of a righteous person is very powerful in its effect.” — James 5:16
Stick with your buddy. Even if you are separated from the rest of the army, stay together and help each other out. We are stronger together.
This is by far the hardest weapon to wield. For some reason, we want other people to think we are perfect and don’t struggle with anything.
It isn’t true. Everyone knows it isn’t true. But it still hurts to let down our cover and confess.
The weapon is designed to destroy temptations that consistently give the enemy ground. Choose carefully who you will tell—find someone who will pray for you as well as keeping you accountable.
Finally, to help us use these weapons, Christ gives us one final word of encouragement: In this world you will have trouble. But take heart; I have overcome the world!
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Photo courtesy of Steven and Flickr Creative Commons.
About the Author
Claire Sandercock is a 17-year-old homeschool graduate. Her interests and passions are widespread, including training horses, writing, apologetics, crocheting, sewing, reading, and Bible Quizzing. She loves spending time at a friend’s ranch, has written two books that are in the refining stage before finding a publisher, and has developed and runs two websites: Quiz for Christ and Manes and Tales.
www.therebelution.com
