The struggle is real! Yes, we all have struggled in maintaining a Godly lifestyle at one time or another.  In the midst of the struggle the temptations we battled seemed to win out over our self-control.  It is not always easy breaking free from strongholds and mindsets that have held you captive for so long, but I want to encourage your heart; YOU can win this fight!

Today, I want to share an excerpt from my journal with you. I realize that there are times that we all need an extra boost to keep us going. Through my journey the Lord has provided the encouragement and inner strength I needed. It is my prayer tonight that this declaration and prayer empowers you!

As I write this I realize that the key to winning out over temptation to is to ask for grace and mercy in my time of need.  Jesus was tempted just like me in the same manner-the lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and the pride of life.  He shares in my feelings of weakness, infirmities, and liabilities to the assaults of temptation and in it all, He did not sin.

I need to be fearless, confident, and bold about asking for the help I need, that I may receive His mercy for my failures and find grace to help in the opportune time for every need. The help Jesus is able to give me is the appropriate help, well timed help, and it will come just when I need it. He is always able to make a way of escape for me when I ask.

Jesus did not give into sin and that same power lies within me. I have power within me to say no to the flesh, lustful cravings and unwanted desires that arise within me. I have to allow my will to die daily. Giving into temptation is not worth the price that will have to be paid. I am worth the effort and the fight I put into withstanding and walking in the spirit.

Below are some scriptures that have helped me to renew my mind daily in the battle of temptation. Make it apart of your everyday meditation, the Word of God works!

Father manifest your grace and power in our times of weaknesses, I pray. I thank you for being a very present help when we find ourselves in a time of need. In Jesus name Amen

In the day when I called, You answered me; and You strengthened me with strength (might and inflexibility to temptation) in my inner self.  Psalm 138:3 (AMP)

Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9  (NLT)

That means you must not give sin a vote in the way you conduct your lives. Don’t give it the time of day. Don’t even run little errands that are connected with that old way of life. Throw yourselves wholeheartedly and full-time—remember, you’ve been raised from the dead!—into God’s way of doing things. Sin can’t tell you how to live. After all, you’re not living under that old tyranny any longer. You’re living in the freedom of God. Romans 6:12 -14 (MSG)

For we do not have a High Priest Who is unable to understand and sympathize and have a shared feeling with our weaknesses and infirmities and liability to the assaults of temptation, but One Who has been tempted in every respect as we are, yet without sinning. 16 Let us then fearlessly and confidently and boldly draw near to the throne of grace (the throne of God’s unmerited favor to us sinners), that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find grace to help in good time for every need [appropriate help and well-timed help, coming just when we need it]. Hebrews 4:15-16  (AMP)

 So we’re not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us. There’s far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can’t see now will last forever. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (MSG)

 There isn’t any temptation that you have experienced which is unusual for humans. God, who faithfully keeps his promises, will not allow you to be tempted beyond your power to resist. But when you are tempted, he will also give you the ability to endure the temptation as your way of escape. 1 Corinthians 10:13 (GW)

Blessings to you!

Mary

© Mary Pinckney, May 2014