No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. (1 Corinthians 10:13)
Temptations of various kinds do come our ways frequently. Alluring, seductive, and glamorous, they come very well packaged such that it is very hard to ignore and reject whatever kind of temptation you face. Rarely does a temptation look dangerous and wicked, but wait till you fall and suffer the consequences that your eyes become open. Ravenous wolves in sheep skin they are. Taking a fish’s perspective for example, a fish does not know its destiny as it gets to bite the bait which has a worm. The bait looks good and harmless and it is so enticing until the damage is done. Often times we do the same.
King David was taking a stroll when he saw Bathsheba, Uriah’s wife. He did not see beyond her and the devastating events that were to follow later. She was the bait and David made the wrong choice and he got hooked. David’s lust had a ripple effect on him, Bathsheba, Uriah who was murdered and the entire nation of Israel. Of course God was greatly displeased by David’s actions and David faced severe consequences including the death of his son. However, God in His great mercy, spared the life of David. Perhaps, you may ask what could have David done differently? If you happen to be in such a situation, what will you do? In other words, how will you handle any temptation that comes your way as a believer?
To Escape Temptation:
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Pray for God’s guidance and his protection as you let Him lead you. Ask the Lord to give you courage and strength to say no to every form of ungodliness. He is a faithful God who will never leave you.
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Arm yourself with scripture. Jesus best illustrates this when He was tempted in the wilderness by Satan. Jesus was vulnerable at that point but He was able to shut down Satan by quoting and doing what the Bible says.
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Find another believer with whom you can openly share your struggles and whenever temptation strikes you can reach out to him or her.
Probably there are other ways you can escape temptation apart from the above list, however you have to resist any kind of temptation and flee all evil desires. Maybe your major undoing is entertaining a certain temptation thus you cannot move away from the temptation. When temptation strikes, you have to fight it off by moving away from the temptation and towards safe ground, don’t just stay there and look into the possibilities.
