Temptation

I believed in the Lord’s protection.  I would read verses like Psalm 91: 1-2 or Isaiah 41:10, and I would be encouraged.  In my mind nothing could penetrate his armor.  However, I did not consider the enemy within.  For in my own flesh dwells a sinful nature which can be manipulated, and easily tempted (Ephesians 2:3). 

I was surprised by temptation and how easily I was entice by sin (James 1:13-14).  I ran to the Father.  I beg for his assistance (Psalm 54:4).  In his mercy, He not only sustained me but gave strength to bear it.  The enemy attacks were unrelenting.  The Lord held me through it and always gave me an escape (1Corinthians10:13). 

In his grace, I was able to endure.  Somehow I thought that once the battle was over I would walk away without blemish.  For you see, the Lord was my shield: “How could it be any different”? I overlooked the ramifications of such conflicts.  I had been transformed and carried with me the scars of victory.

Daily as I looked at my scars, I yearn for their disappearance.  They are a constant reminder of an arduous battle.  They make me long for life before temptation, life before turmoil when everything was constant and all made sense.  However there is no turning back.  My scars will always be a consistent reminder that my Lord gave me victory and yet nothing will ever be the same.

When the Lord Jesus was in the garden, He asks his disciples to pray. “Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation.  The Spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak”. Matthew 26:41.  I wish that I had heed his warning!

Copyright September 2014

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