Growth in grace does not mean exemption from temptation. As long as you live, you will be tempted. Jesus underwent a severe trial in the wilderness as He was tempted by Satan. If God’s Son was tempted, you will be tempted also!
When adverse situations and trying conditions arise, you have three choices.
#1. You can elect to respond according to your FEELINGS. You can act according to your emotions. Your emotions are not infallible, and most often lean in the wrong direction. You are not a slave to your feelings, unless you capitulate to them. Stop “listening” to your emotions. Pay no attention to them. “Do right” despite your feelings.
#2. You can respond according to your FLESH. Your flesh does not improve with time. A carnal response is never the right one. Sampson chose to engage in sensual behavior over and over. He was a HE-MAN with a SHE-PROBLEM. Living according to the flesh always leads to death. You must stand against your flesh just like you stand against the Devil. Deny yourself.
#3. The FAITH response is the only correct option. Responding in Faith is the way to overcome your Feelings and your Flesh. We are called to wage a victorious warfare by WALKING in the Spirit. The Bible gives us hope, “Walk in the Spirit and you shall not fulfill the desires of the flesh” (Gal. 5:16).
So stop longing for the elimination of stressors. There is no “LaLa Land” on this fallen planet. God gave us weapons and armor to “fight the good fight of FAITH.” The battle ceases in heaven, not here on earth.
You will be enticed every day of your life. Be it an allurement to unrighteousness or self-righteousness makes no difference. You have the resident power to win, and Faith is your victory (1 John 5:4)!
