Learning to Stand

When I first personally heard Jesus' invitation from John 8:11: “Now go and sin no more," my initial response was, “Ok, Jesus, I’ll try. But you know that I am weak so I can’t guarantee anything…”

I used to not be able to comprehend “freedom”. My experience was that I would make it for some time without crossing any black-and-white lines. But then, all of a sudden, I would fall. I could never guarantee that it wouldn’t happen again. What about when life got hard, when I felt emotionally low, when I couldn’t see Jesus in those moments, and temptation came along? What then?

• Freedom was learning how to run to God in the midst of desires, loneliness, and societal pressures.
• Freedom was realizing that when the enemy came my way during an opportune time of frailty, I did not need to cower powerlessly under his sneer and accept his temptations and lies.
• Freedom came when those temptations and trials became a training ground, resulting in seeing more and more of how God really is all I need, and I can trust Him to the utmost.

One way I learned how to fight against temptation is to run into God’s goodness. When the father of lies tries to get you to doubt God’s character or His timing, run right to the Truth! Flee temptation. Resist the devil. Run to God. Run into His fortress.

Truth Weapon to memorize:

“Where sin increased, grace increased all the more.” (Romans 5:20a NIV)

Talk with Jesus

As you read today’s verses, bring these questions to Jesus and talk with Him about them.

• What does “freedom” mean to me?
• What negativity or lies do I inadvertently speak over myself that weaken my resolve to stand strong?
• Show me what it would look like for me to resist the devil and stand firm, letting nothing move me? What spiritual armor do You have for me to enable me to stand firm? What does this look like, in practical terms?

Prayer: God, in each area where I feel weak to temptation, keep training me to immediately run into Your goodness. You are completely trustworthy, even with something as precious as my life. When I don’t understand what You are doing or where You are, I WILL choose to trust You!