Shouts of GraceMfano

## Grace to Escape Temptation Temptations can come in weak areas of your life, and they may even come when everything is going well. In any case the devil is always looking for a way to steal from, kill, and destroy you. The devil wants you to live beat up, broken, and in poverty—spiritually, physically and financially. He wants to take away any good thing God has given you and get you disconnected from God. The good news is that the devil’s tricks are nothing new. God will give us the discernment, wisdom and strength to recognize and resist temptation so we can overcome it before falling into sin. God said He will show us a way out, but He’s not going to do all the work for us. So, what are some ways that God has made a way out for us and given us the tools to endure temptation? When I was a young adult, God showed me a way through His word to fight temptation and overcome it. I was crying out to God one night asking Him for help to overcome evil thoughts I was battling in my head. I knew they were sinful thoughts, but no matter how hard I tried to block them out, nothing worked. When I fell asleep that night, I woke up to a voice in my head saying, “Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” As soon as I heard those words, I woke up and started speaking them over and over again: “I resist the devil. I resist the devil.” At the time I had forgotten that those words were in the Bible, but God reminded me that I had memorized that verse when I was a teenager. I had just forgotten it. The Bible verse is James 4:7. It says, “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” I had been trying to resist the temptation, but it wasn’t until I submitted myself to God, when I cried out for His help, that God spoke to me and gave me a way out. When I started speaking the word of God the evil thoughts went away! The word of God is the best weapon we have been given to fight the devil. “The word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart (Hebrews 4:12 NIV).” The Word of God is the sword of the Spirit and we can use it to cut through the devil’s schemes. Through God’s grace and His word, we can overcome temptation. We need to get God’s word into our hearts and use it. The next time the devil tries to tempt you, remind him of God’s word and say, “I submit myself to God. I resist the devil!” Or, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me (Galatians 2:20).” In other words, “I’m a dead man to sin and a dead man can’t do anything!” Remember you will have many opportunities in life to fall into temptation. Just don’t take any of them. \- Adam Ewert #### Prayer Dear Heavenly Father, I recognize that I need Your help in my life and I can’t do life without You. I submit to You and Your word; I resist the devil and he will flee from me. Thank You, that by Your grace I will overcome any obstacle and temptation that comes my way! In Jesus’ name. Amen. #### Journal Directions 1. What temptations are you facing in life right now that you need God’s grace to overcome and endure? 2. Knowing the word of God will give you the power to overcome any temptation that comes your way, how will you use God’s word in your life going forward?