DAY 23: DELIVERANCE FROM TEMPTATION

We face a very clear and present danger in our generation. Behind the scenes a battle is being fought for the very hearts and lives of men, women, and children across the planet. This invisible war is being waged between the forces of evil and the forces of good, between God Himself and a created being known as Satan.

We, as believers, are in this battle and we’re in it to the very end. We are not tourists on a vacation in this world if we’re following Jesus. We are soldiers on a mission for Him. And the only way to win this war is to prepare and to pray.

Jesus said in John 16:33, “In this world you will have tribulation.” But then He added, “but be of good cheer for I have overcome the world.” He taught us to pray in order to overcome the temptation of the enemy. When we pray, we are protecting our faith, our future, and our families.

When faced with temptation, our natural reaction is often to run to the world for our solutions or we fight the best we can with our flesh. We do everything except pray and ask God to deliver us! In these times, we must remember that we are fighting a spiritual battle that can only be won with the spiritual weapons God has provided. God has promised deliverance for His children if we pray.

Maybe you’re in the throes of temptation right now and you’re tempted to compromise your purity. You’re in a test of your faith. Perhaps you are tempted by unhealthy habits or to say words that are better left unsaid. What do you do? How do you pray so that you can resist the enemy and overcome opposition in your life?

Turn to God for strength in times of temptation and realize that He understands the pressure you are experiencing. 1 Corinthians 10:13 assures us that, “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”

In a world filled with temptation, we have a stronghold against the enemy because our God is a deliverer. He specializes in deliverance. Our Savior is a mighty warrior who has conquered sin, death, and hell! And we can defeat the enemy with the Word of God, the sword of the Spirit. We can resist temptation in the power of Jesus Christ!

There are all kinds of attacks in our generation—attacks of men and attacks of ideologies. But behind all of them is the evil one. Remember to pray daily for the power of Jesus Christ in your life to deliver you!