The Journey of Temptation

“Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!” - Matthew‬ ‭26:41‬ 

Temptation always will be a huge challenge for any of us. It doesn’t matter if you’re pre-teen to a senior citizen, you will be tempted throughout your life. I want to talk specifically on this subject for right now in my life, I am being tempted by every way possible more than ever. In particular from the lust point of view. I looked in the Bible and I have seen two examples, or two choices, that were made through temptation.

First, look at Joseph, the favorite child and not Jesus’ earthly father. God was with Joseph through the later part of Genesis. The people in Pharoah’s royalty noticed that Joseph was doing an amazing job especially Potiphar’s wife. Potiphar’s wife saw him and wanted him. She had a lustful feeling to have Joseph in bed. She counters him and had him where she wanted. Joseph was tempted but made the right choice. “She came and grabbed him by his cloak, demanding, “Come on, sleep with me!” Joseph tore himself away, but he left his cloak in her hand as he ran from the house.”

‭‭(Genesis‬ ‭39:12‬) He stayed pure for his God. 

Second, David was tempted. David, the famous Goliath saying, killing ten-thousands, and a great musician was tempted. He made a choice to stay home instead of going to battle. He went outside and saw a beautiful woman. His eyes couldn’t stop watching her taking a bath. David was tempted and made a choice. “Then David sent messengers to get her; and when she came to the palace, he slept with her. She had just completed the purification rites after having her menstrual period. Then she returned home. Later, when Bathsheba discovered that she was pregnant, she sent David a message, saying, “I’m pregnant.” (2 Samuel‬ ‭11:4-5‬).

Two men. Two choices. Both tempted. There was a good choice. There was a bad choice. I wanted to write this because I think we don’t know how can we avoid it in our lives. If we cannot flee like Joseph, then what else can we do? We can pray for a daily relationship with God in prayer is a first step to avoiding temptation. We can read the Bible for knowing you will be confronted by the Bible in your reading can help you stay focused on God today. Lastly, confess to God or someone you trust and repent, or turn. He has already forgiven you because He loves you. Going to God in confession makes it easier for you to have clear communication with Him. You are bigger than the temptations in your life through Jesus.