As we continue to look at how we can be victorious in fighting temptation we must recognize that it can indeed be defeated. We need not despair. God gives us the tools necessary to say, “No.”
Remember Satan’s tools we looked at not long ago? Well, God has tools too! In fact, He has a big toolbox! Let’s take a look at some……
— There is a cell phone with a tag that says, “prayer”, “Jesus is on the main line….call Him up and tell Him what you want”
— There is an address book with a tag that says, “true friends”, “someone to call when you are tempted”
— There is a, well this one is not as visible as the others, with a tag that says, “Holy Spirit”, “Gives strength, a true helper when called upon”
— There is a small church full of big people with a tag that says, “used for encouragement, love, friendship and accountability….find a church that you really like, get plugged in and you will find strength”
— There is a book with a tag that says, “Holy Bible: My Holy wisdom to you….you can find all the answers right in here!”
— There is a cross with a tag that says, “Meditate on this….Jesus endured the ultimate pain that you might live this new life”
— There is a heart with a tag that says, “LOVE……put this in your heart and I will be with you always”.
All these tools are free! There are a lot more, this is only the beginning. When tempted, don’t do what so many people do……walk away from the tools. Tools are to be used. God gave us these tools. Tools help us build things.
Open God’s toolbox today and start using His tools to resist temptations, build meaningful relationships that keep us strong. Use His tools to build a foundation to a house that contains the ultimate fulfillment that you want in life. That fulfillment is found in loving God and loving others! This is the secret to a balanced and fulfilling life!
Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.” — Matt 22:37-40 (see also Deuteronomy 6:5 and Leviticus 19:18)
Got tools?