Temptation

Have any of you ever stolen something? I did… I was about 6 years old, and I was at Walmart with my mom. I remember seeing the single pieces of gum — the Super Bubble brand. When you chewed that gum, you practically broke your teeth trying to get it soft enough to enjoy. Well, I really wanted one, but I didn’t have the 25 cents it cost. Instead of asking my mom, I just slipped one into my pocket. I stole it… it was just the beginning of my rebellion — just kidding. I wasn’t that rebellious… only a little bit.

Anyway, I don’t remember if I got caught or if I fessed up and told my mom, but what I do remember is feeling guilty.

Isn’t it interesting that even at that young age — and all these years later — I still remember that specific feeling of guilt?

That is such a strong feeling to carry. When we are tempted and fall into sin, we will definitely feel it — and often remember that feeling years later.

James 1:13–15 says, “And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, ‘God is tempting me.’ God is never tempted to do wrong, and He never tempts anyone else. Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death.”

Let’s simplify that a bit — have you ever been part of a conversation, and before you know it, all the tea is being spilled and you’re right in the middle of it?

What happens when you realize how deep you are in that conversation? Do you pay attention to that moment? Because that realization should be a warning sign to stop. Once you recognize that you’re saying things that can’t be taken back, you’re stepping right into temptation to keep going — just so you don’t look awkward or feel like you’re backing out.

I’m guilty of this. I’ve thought, If I stop, they might think I’m being fake or two-faced.

Our desires will pursue us. We will talk about others, we will lust, we will hide things from family and friends — we will fall into temptations we are both aware of and unaware of. And all of this can create feelings we don’t know how to deal with. Those feelings can grow into bigger problems, and eventually, we may not know how to stop.

So, we keep going, because it feels easier — even though we may feel trapped.

That’s exactly where the enemy wants us — stuck and afraid to change because we’re worried about what others might think.

But the enemy cannot stand against God.

This means we are human — we will make mistakes and fall into temptation. But God is still God. Even when we slip up, He can and will still use those He has called and who have a relationship with Him.

Let’s take Moses as an example.

Moses wandered in the wilderness for 40 years and had many missteps. One time, God told him to strike a rock once for water to come out, but out of anger, he struck it twice. He also killed a man earlier in his life. Yet God still had a plan for Moses — to lead His people.

When you read Exodus, you see that the people often wavered in their faith. They made idols and walked in disbelief. But Moses, despite being tired, frustrated, and weary, continued to follow the Lord. His faith was tested, but he did not turn away.

1 Corinthians 10:13 says, “God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, He will show you a way out so that you can endure.”

God absolutely helps us endure and stand against temptation. But let’s pause here for a moment, because this verse is often taken out of context.

You’ve probably heard people say, “God won’t give me more than I can handle.” The issue with that statement is the word I.

God will allow things in our lives that we cannot handle on our own — and that’s how we grow. When we think, I can handle this, we miss the point. It’s in those overwhelming moments that we are meant to rely on God and recognize that He is the One who carries us through.

When we focus on I can’t do this or I have to fix this, those thoughts can pull us deeper into discouragement and temptation.

Moses couldn’t bear everything God gave him on his own. He struggled and even wanted to walk away. But God saw Moses’ need and gave him help — Aaron. God knew Moses’ limits and equipped him accordingly.

God will allow things we cannot handle alone — but never without Him. He wants us to rely on Him and trust Him.

The enemy has tried to tempt me, especially in moments of insecurity, doubt, unmet expectations, emotional struggles, and overwhelming thoughts. But it was when I began to truly understand who God is — and how much He wants to be involved in my life — that I started to see change and strongholds break.

And that understanding came from reading the Bible and learning who God truly is.

Life brings temptation, but nothing pursues you quite like your own thoughts, emotions, and expectations. You can walk away from peer pressure, but you can’t simply walk away from the pressure you put on yourself — whether it’s to be better, to fit in, to lie, to act in anger, or to be someone you’re not just to be accepted.

Those are real struggles. Those are real temptations.

Learned behavior can be one of the hardest things to overcome. I grew up in a high-tempered household, and I learned to react in ways that weren’t always healthy. I had to fight the temptation to raise my voice just to be heard. As a middle child, that struggle felt very real.

Satan often used anger as a tactic in my life.

Pete Greig says, “We do not have to roll over helplessly and submit to Satan’s schemes… because we are sons and daughters of the King, commissioned to rule and reign by His side.”

With that in mind, it took a lot of prayer, listening, and reading God’s Word for me to understand that I couldn’t overcome certain things on my own. I also began to notice my kids’ reactions when I responded in anger, and God showed me that I needed to be the one to break that cycle.

He was protecting me and my family by showing me that, through His power and strength, I could break patterns of temptation.

Our prayer life and our relationship with God must be strong if we are going to fight these battles — both spiritually and practically. We have to be prepared to stand against temptation, no matter how small it may seem.

Even something as small as that piece of gum I stole had a lasting impact on me.

If what you are seeking or being tempted by pulls you away from God in any way, it is not good — and it should be taken seriously.

You have God to help you live free from temptation. When we seek the Lord for deliverance, He will bring freedom. The Bible tells us to ask, and we will receive. It may not always happen instantly, so we must remain aware, stay obedient, and choose God’s will over our own desires.

Our hearts can be deceitful. They can make us believe our wants are right, but if they don’t align with God and His Word, they are not.

Stand firm on the cornerstone of life — Jesus. Know that He is your shield and your protection. When you walk confidently in that truth, you will find it easier to overcome temptation.