Temptation

One of my favorite reality shows is Biggest Loser. Do y'all like it? Oh, I do.  I love seeing those people change their lives week in and week out.  Sure, sometimes they mess up, make a mistake....but they get back out there and push harder next time.  They don't give up.  You know those episodes where they have a "temptation" challenge.....and Biggest Loser producers are good, they put out the contestants favorite items, the most alluring of foods, sensual smells, tantilizing sights of deliciousness.....some contestants are strong in their devotion to reach their goals and thus the temptations are far less appealing, and others, well they often come up a little short.  They are weaker.  They fall to temptation. 

No different than everyday life for all of us.  Biggest Loser is a show about losing weight and ultimately, searching, achieving and maintaining a healthy lifestyle with proper food and exercise.  And often they do a little inner soul searching along the way.  But back to those temptation challenges---certainly a part of their journey, but you know what, they are really just a glimpse into the devil's handiwork in all of our lives....and I'm not talking about the cupcakes either. 

We are all faced with temptation daily. Every. Single. Day. Temptations come in many sizes and flavors. Some are so crafty we don't even realize it until it's far too late...we're already knee deep in them (gossip or selfishness or affairs or bitterness or greed or whatever it is that hinders our walk with God) before the brain processes the Lord's conviction.  And then when we do figure it out, we are so upset with ourselves, it's easier to give in more. 

We knew we didn't need to eat the cupcake (or yell at our kids), we didn't really even want the cupcake (in fact, it was that unexpected bill that came in the mail that put a sour taste in our mouths, not even something the kids did anyway), but the cupcake was there, taunting us with it's mile high frosting (the kids neglected to put their laundry away, again) and brightly colored sprinkles (sure you thought it would make you feel better to get it off your chest and family was the best place to explode---they have to love you even when you're crazy).   And besides, the world (satan and his cronies here on earth) says cupcakes are divine, just divine...so go ahead and eat as many as you want.  

You know that's exactly what satan and the world wants us to do.  See the temptations.  Fall to them.  Wallow in our self-pity afterwards and in essence sin some more. Satan won't give up.  Please remember he tempted Jesus many times. He offered the biggest, moistest, red velvet cupcake smothered in cream cheese icing.....but Jesus stood firm. 

Satan is going to throw temptations at our feet as well....and sometimes we are going to fall....but we just can't give up and allow ourselves to stumble over them day in and day out. We need to remember that while satan may have the power to provide those very enticing temptations....we serve a God who has an even bigger power to help us overcome each and every one. Each and every one. 

So, the next time you are tempted (which should be sometime today, before, during and after you read this post) remember this month's H3 verse and speak it so your brain and heart can hear God's words.....

"No temptation has seized you except what is common to man.  But God is faithful, he will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it."
                                                                     ~ 1 Corinthians 10:13

You are going to be tempted.  God says that.  But the good news is that He also says he will be with us and provide a way for us to stand firm just as Jesus did.  There's always a way out....we just need to look for God's light shining the pathway.