HOW CAN I COPE WITH THE RELENTLESS TEMPTATIONS FROM SATAN?

SCRIPTURE:
So I say, live by the Spirit, 
and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.  
(Galatians 5:16)

MEDITATION:
Fighting temptations can feel like a full time job can’t it?
There are times when it seems the temptations have disappeared, but before 
we know it they are right back again trying to disrupt our spiritual lives.
They can happen when we are in a crowd, or alone with no one around.
We never seem to know when they will appear, but even when 
we aren’t feeling pressure from them, we know they are lurking nearby.

How does Satan know when we are most vulnerable to temptations?
He has been in the business of temptation and discouragement 
for many more years than we have lived.
Consequently, he knows when we are weak 
and when to tempt us in the area of our weakness.

Sinners don’t experience the same temptations as believers 
because they already belong to the evil one.
However, he is bent on destroying the lives 
and witness of those who belong to the Lord.

It is ludicrous to think that we will never be tempted. 
But just because we are tempted, 
doesn’t mean that we have to succumb to the temptations.
Paul tells us that if we 'live by the Spirit', then we will not give in.

Walking in the Spirit can be challenging until it becomes natural.
To walk means to place one foot in front of the other.
It includes movement and progress.
If we are not walking, then we are standing still.

If we take Paul’s advice and 'live by the Spirit', 
it means we have a purpose for moving forward.
As believers, the Lord gives each of us special gifts 
and talents to be used to glorify Him.
If we depend on our own resources, our own strength, or our own ability, 
we will fail in 'living by the Spirit' and resisting temptations. 

We cannot live the Christian life by ourselves;  
the Holy Spirit must live in us and express Himself through us. 
Living for Christ is a day-by-day experience. 
It is a continuous dependence upon the Spirit of God; 
it is believing in His faithfulness.

ACTION:
Have you taken the advice Paul gave to believers?
Does the Holy Spirit guide your footsteps daily?

Pray,
“Heavenly Father, You know how weak I am and how strong Satan 
can be at tempting me. When I try to resist him in my own strength 
I am seldom successful. I know that I need the Holy Spirit in my 
life to avoid yielding to his temptations. I pray that I will be able to 
follow Paul’s advice and live by the Spirit. So often I have walked on 
my own instead of walking in Your Spirit. Teach me how to allow the 
Holy Spirit to guide my steps and show me how to live a life that will 
point others to Your Son, Jesus Christ. Give me confidence that with 
the help of the Spirit, I can resist the temptations from Satan.”