Temptation is one of those factors that every Christian face especially in his or her journey to spirituality. When we encounter temptations, there is always the tendency to fall or rise. The choices we make during temptation can result to either our downfall or upliftment. Temptation can come in the form of suffering and challenges which will challenge your faith. Temptation however, is a universal struggle that every person faces, it can come in the form of sinful desires, worldly distractions, or at your moment of weakness. it can also come in the form of temporary pleasures or gain, either financially or otherwise, which many of us fall into because of the momentary pleasure and the intended gain that we think can be derived from it. No matter however way temptation decides to come to us, we need to try and resist it.
When temptation comes, we lose faith and even our form of holiness therefore, in the face of temptations, we need strength and grace of God to conquer it. We need to pray and ask for spiritual strength and be disciplined. Remember that prayer is a powerful weapon against temptation. Jesus taught His disciples to pray, “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil” (Matthew 6:13). Seeking God’s strength through prayer equips us to resist the enemy’s attacks, which is temptation.
Scripture tells us that Jesus was tempted in the wilderness after 40 days and 40 nights of fasting and praying. This tells us that it is normal for every Christian to encounter temptations especially, during the journey to holiness. However, what temptation does is not to pull us down but to present us with choices. During this period, we experience the challenge to choose between fidelity and infidelity to God. We are given the choice to choose either to keep our obligations towards God or to say no to it and choose that of the devil or what the world presents to us.
The devil entices us with some goodies that may seem irresistible thus, we go for these goodies as against accepting the Word of God and keeping that Word. God gave us the freedom of making our own choices but He expects us to seek His face and pray for direction but, not to be boastful about being the people of God and only for us to fall when temptation come knocking on our door. This is why the church presents to us the temptation of Jesus as we begin our Lenten journey so that we take a cue from there and fortify ourselves with prayer in this 40 day of Lenten season, knowing that Jesus who is God Himself, was also tempted in His human form. Consequently, we are encouraged to arm our self with prayer and be ready to conquer temptations whenever it comes our way as we go on this 40-days spiritual journey.
As the Church calls us to repentance during this Lenten season, scripture makes us to understand the need to pray, fast and do penance. Just as Jesus Christ stayed in the wilderness for 40 days, the Lenten season is a time for us to be with the Lord and have some person to person and lonely moments with God for 40 days too. Lenten season, is a time of serious encounter with God, a time of personal encounter with God and a time of total relationship with the Holt Spirit. We are however reminded that our capacity to repent and resist temptation comes from our relationship with God and the grace of deliverance rather than from our strength and creativity. When we trust God and establish a strong relationship with Him, we are sure to derive the strength to conquer temptations.
We need to understand that temptation is a universal phenomenon and that it must come to anyone at any point in time. Therefore, we have to be aware of the plans and tricks of the devil so that we will be able to resist his schemes. God may allow certain things to happen to us, to establish the strength of our faith in Him or our love for Him. Therefore, we need to come before the presence of God no matter the circumstance, whether good or bad in faith. Our relationship with God should not be determined by circumstances. Scripture told us what happened to Job, despite all of that, Job never gave up on God, he remained faithful. Note that the devil capitalises on our vulnerability to trap us. It could be when we are unable to pay our children’s school fees, our house rent, hospital bill or when we lose our job and are hungry hence, we result to cheating or taking bribe. No matter whatever it is, never allow the devil to mislead you. Do not give the devil any opportunity even when it appears that all hope is lost.
Overcoming temptation is not easy but with God’s help, it is possible. The Bible reminds us that God provides a way to overcome every temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13). With faith, prayer, and reliance on God’s Word, we can find the strength to conquer temptations and live righteously.
Be strong and have a fruitful Lenten season.
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