"Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." Matthew 26:41
In my past life I loved chocolate (I am an overcomer). My 'favorites' moved around from time to time, but what my heart always came back to was plain M&M's. Once placed in the microwave in their own special bowl, heated slightly long enough that the insides were warm and smooth but the outer shell was still intact, I would proceed in popping one small morsel into my mouth at a time, placing it in the roof of my mouth and applying the right amount of pressure with my tongue, crushing it until all the goodness came rushing out (mmm). I was addicted...making my way through one large bag per week (I am ashamed...don't judge).
I give you a serious visual because this is one temptation I had for many, many years. My spirit was willing to give them up as soon as the bag was empty but my flesh was weak when my eyes would spot a brand new bag lying on the grocer's shelf. I knew it was a problem for me when at one time in my life (over twenty years ago now) I had to rid myself of all sugar and dairy products (among many other ingredients) for three years, but as soon as the doctor lifted the band I ran from his establishment like a gazelle being chased by a hungry lion to the nearest convenience store to snag me a 'snack size' bag of the little devils... it was downhill from there (thankfully I stand today no longer a victim to those little instigators, praise God!).
Now, I know there are many other temptations much more serious than this one, and I have faced some in my life time. Nonetheless, the struggle was real, just as all temptations and trials we face. Sin creeps into our lives under many different vices. The evil one knows our every weakness, he roams around patiently waiting to destroy us. He makes things look good even when they are not. He carves away at our mind if we give him space. He can make something look so delicious and warm and chocolatey as my color coated friends until we give in. Do not trust in your own will and abilities for that is where the evil one will attack.
"The thoughts of the righteous are just, but guidance from the wicked is deceitful."
(Prov. 12:5)
We must:
#1 Guard our heart and mind.
"And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." (Phil. 4:7)
#2 Dwell on things above.
"Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable--if there is any moral excellence and if there is anything praiseworthy--dwell on these things." (Phil.4:8)
#3 Watch and pray.
"Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." (Mark 14:38)
Soldiering His heart and mind on things above, Jesus knew what He was facing before His crucifixion. He went with the disciples to the garden to 'watch and pray'. He asked for His Father to let the cup pass from Him but He ended the prayer with, "Your will be done". (Matt. 26:42) He was battle ready. Be sure you are doing your part in building your faith everyday. When Christ lives in you, you already have a firm foundation for an awesome faith to be built. Stand firm, girls!
I love you & He loves you more!
Lord, You are an awesome God! I pray for strength in our journey here. May we cling to You and strive to walk beside You, mirroring the steps of Jesus' path. Forgive us when we fall to temptation and help us to continually watch and pray. In Jesus' name. Amen.
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