Will Power or His Power: Win the Battle with Temptation

What do you think of when you hear the words will power?  Not eating that slice of cake? Keeping a juicy secret?  Maybe saying no to something that you really want to say yes to.  We’ve all been in situations that tested our will power.  How do you usually fare? 

My last test of will power was just last night.  I was sitting on the couch wrapped up in my cozy blanket watching my favorite TV show.  The sound of rain was beating on the windows and the wind swirling the down the chimney.  I was snacking on chocolate chip cookies and sipping on the bottle of water that I strategically placed beside me.  As the cold water washed over lingering taste of chocolate in my mouth, it hit me.  These cookies sure would taste good some chilled wine.  Now I had already told myself that wine would be off limits for a week since the holiday was winding down.  But the thought of that sweet, crisp fruity flavor would not retreat from mind.  Well you know what happened next.  Water bottle down, wine glass up!  My will power had failed.

Have you ever found yourself in a similar situation?  You really to keep your word to yourself about something you would or would not do, but your will power failed you.  The American Psychological Association describes willpower as the ability to resist short-term gratification in pursuit of long-term goals or objectives. But where does this ability to resist come from?  The ability I used to resist pouring that glass of wine came from within myself . . .  and that is why I failed. 

As humans, the power we posses to resist is quite limited.  First Corinthians, says  The only temptations that you have are the same temptations that all people have. But you can trust God. He will not let you be tempted more than you can bear. But when you are tempted, God will also give you a way to escape that temptation. Then you will be able to endure it.

In short,  trust God (not yourself) to help you through temptation. 

As the verse reminds us, we are all tempted – no one is exempt.  Not the pastor, the praise leader, the mother, wife nor the teacher. We are all tempted and all by the same things.  Some of the strongest temptations are rooted in physical pleasure.  Sex and over/unhealthy eating provide physical pleasure, while alcohol and drugs provide mental pleasure.  Many of us are tempted by money, things, attention, men and even other women.  They are the things that our physical bodies crave but when abused can cause a tremendous amount of pain.  God does not condemn us for being tempted.  He knows that our flesh will be tempted, but He never allows us to be tempted beyond what we can bear.  God always provides an escape route from temptation, but we have to seek it, find it and follow it.  Well, exactly how does that work? 

Here are 4 things that will help you rely on His power and not your will power.

1.  Recognize that Temptation is Coming

There isn’t a single person that walked the earth, including Jesus, that was not tempted by something.  You are no different.  It’s not a matter of if you will be tempted, but when you will be tempted.  So get ready!  When you know a storm is coming, you prepare.  You stock up on milk, bread non-pershible food, water and batteries.  You know that your homes could lose power, so you plan alternate ways to prepare food, stay warm and have light. Prepare your mind for temptation in the same way so you are not surprised when it shows up!

2.  Recognize What Tempts You

You know what your weak spots are so don’t pretend they don’t exist!  Sometimes it can be embarrassing to admit that certain things are tempting.  In our virtuous, victorious and valued minds, we’d like to believe that we’re above being tempted by fine men, juicy gossip and hot tempers but we’re not.  Have an honest conversation with yourself about the things that tempt you the most.  Make mental notes, or better yet write it down and tell a trusted friend that can keep you accountable.  It will save you some regret later.

3.  Avoid Wat Tempts You

When you know what tempts you, avoid it like the plague! Ever heard the saying, don’t play with fire, cause you might get burned? The fire is whatever tempts you.  If sex is tempting, don’t be alone with someone you’re attracted to.  If junk food is tempting, don’t buy junk food home from the grocery store.  If you shop till you drop and your credit card explodes, stay out of the mall! Aviod! Aviod! Aviod!  Don’t fool yourself into thinking you are stronger than your temptation.  The price you end up paying is not worth the risk.

4.  Look for the Escape Route

But when you are tempted, God will also give you a way to escape that temptation. Then you will be able to endure it. (1 Corinthians 10:13)

When you find yourself smack dab in the middle of temptation, start praying and looking for a way out.  God always provides a way out of temptation.  Now, the way out of the temptation will not be easy, but if you rely on God, you can escape. You may need to practice communicating with God about your escape routes.  It won’t be a yellow flashing arrow pointing to a flight of stairs or an escape hatch.  God could send an interrupter like a phone call or visitor during a time of temptation to break the mood.  He could send a Bible verse to your mind to help you refocus.  He could drop an internet connection or send inclement weather your way to prevent you from accessing a certain person or thing.  Talk and listen to God often and the routes will become more and more clear for you to see.

In a day and age when temptation is around every corner, we need every bit of help we can get!  Use His Power to help you win!