The enemy can’t force you to sin, but he sure will encourage you to do so. Even Jesus was tempted. This was the enemy’s attempt to prevent Jesus from fulfilling His ministry. Not every temptation is a spiritual attack. We can be led away by our own evil desires (James 1:14), but the enemy will use those desires against us to try to stop us from living the purposeful lives God desires of us. Jesus tells us:
“Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Matthew 26:41 ESV)
It’s tempting to give up when walking with Christ gets difficult, but we never have to worry about not having the strength to overcome. Though our flesh is weak, God’s spirit in us is strong, and when we watch and pray, we make space for God to move in our hearts and lives in ways we never imagined. Today, I encourage you to continue to watch and pray to stand against the schemes of the enemy.
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, when I am tempted to succumb to sin, please help me to be led by Your spirit, and not my flesh. Thank You for forgiving me and helping me to be victorious in You. In Jesus’ name, amen.