“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind” (1 Corinthians 10:13).
Temptations are harder to overcome for the insecure mind, for those who have not yet made the firm decision to follow God’s commandments exactly as they were given to us. Just as a ship without a rudder is tossed and thrown from side to side by the waves of the sea, a weak person, disconnected from God, loses the strength to resist and easily falls before the various forms of temptation.
We must be watchful, especially at the onset of temptation, for it is at this moment that the enemy can be most easily defeated. It is when the first insinuation of evil arises that we need to take a firm stand. We must not allow it to enter our mind or heart; we must resist its first knock, closing the door with determination and faith.
The strength to overcome temptations comes from communion with God and obedience to His commandments. When we decide, with conviction, to live according to the Lord’s will, our soul finds the firmness needed to resist the enemy’s attacks. A mind connected to God, firm and decided, becomes unshakable, for it is sustained by the power of Him who is above all and everyone. –Adapted from Thomas à Kempis. See you tomorrow, if the Lord allows us.
Pray with me: Dear God, I thank You for being my strength and my refuge in times of temptation. I recognize that, without Your presence and Your Word, I am weak and easily shaken by the insinuations of the enemy. Help me to be watchful from the very beginning, closing the door to evil with determination and faith, always seeking Your guidance and protection.
My Father, today I ask You to strengthen my mind and my heart so that I may make the firm decision to live in obedience to Your commandments. May my communion with You sustain me in moments of weakness, giving me the necessary conviction to resist temptations. Make me unshakable in faith, so that I will not be carried away by the waves of the world or by the voice of the enemy.
Oh, Most Holy God, I praise You for being faithful and powerful, sustaining those who seek You sincerely. Thank You for reminding me that victory over sin is found in living in Your presence and according to Your will. Your beloved Son is my eternal Prince and Savior. Your mighty Law accompanies me at all times and has been a faithful friend. Your commandments are like gentle melodies that calm my soul and bring peace to my heart. I pray in the precious name of Jesus, amen.
