Question:
How can I be strong against temptation?
I have read your email and have prayed over your request. I wanted to give you a word of encouragement.
The chemistry of youth can be difficult to deal with. But if you let Jesus have His way in you during times of temptation, you will find that you will overcome. It is a battle that has to be fought one event at a time. Each time temptation comes, you turn to Christ at that moment and during the entire temptation. The Bible is very clear about your getting the victory in the struggle: "Submit yourselves to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee" (James 4:7) The good news is that the more times you conquer the temptation, the stronger you become. Over time, the temptation will become small to you. That is spiritual growth in action.
Two things can help you:
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A personal prayer life. If you give yourself to prayer often, you will find that your heart is more occupied with spiritual matters that with the flesh. Some people have a structured manner in which they set aside a block of time to pray, such as an hour each morning. Others are not so structured, but pray often all through the day. Whatever you find the best pattern for you is fine. Just be in prayer often.
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Read God's Word often. Reading His Word helps to wash your mind with spiritual truths. This also works to strengthen you against temptation. And it helps you develop a spiritual philosophy in daily living. You come to know how you want to behave and how you want to think. Again, often is the key. Structured people set a block of time to read and study. Others read in short spirts. But it is important to read prayerfully with an open heart, wanting God to talk to you from His Word. I recommend the Epistles and Psalms and Proverbs. Only read what you can absorb, then quit for a while. That will make it easier for you to digest the truths. And get a good modern English Bible that you can understand such as NIV or NewKJV or any other good translation. I often read several tranlations. The Scriptures won't help if you can't understand what you're reading.
I want to close with this prayer: Father, in Jesus' Name, I speak strength of heart for this young man. Cause him to be mature in spiritual things and strong against the temptations that come against the flesh. Cause him to sense your presence and your great love for him. Bless his future. In the Name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Rev. Pat Reynolds
Wayne Parks Ministries