Four Things the Enemy Uses to Delay Your DestinySýnishorn

TEMPTATION

“And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else. Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death.” 

These words are from James 1:13-15, where James gives us an insight of how temptation comes to trip us up. Please be aware of the old snares that Jesus saved and freed you from. 

The enemy cannot force you to step into sin, but he can cause stressful situations that might cause you to desire the old habits which seemed to bring you comfort. Remember that our soul wants to be in the driving seat of our life, dictating what it needs to feel satisfied and pleased in the flesh. 

It may be something as innocent as comfort eating when you set your spirit on fasting for a breakthrough, or it can be more serious, like the urge to buy drugs, and you have all the contacts on your phone to get a fix within the hour.  The idea may come to mind to text your previous partner or the work colleague looking so charming or sexy lately, and you desire to be with them. You might have walked away from a pornography addiction, but recently all kinds of graphics have been sending triggers that awaken the urge to look at some sensual content?

It might be that you find yourself in a financial predicament, and you know how to gain access to the company funds.

The possibilities are endless, and the issue arises when we are not accountable to anyone regarding the thoughts that are constantly bombarding our minds. Ideas do not all originate from yourself!

You get thoughts that the enemy plants to tempt you; if you give in, the trap has worked, and you fall into sin. This leads to a cycle of self-hatred, disappointment, guilt, shame, and feeling like a failure. 

It is empowering to know that we can resist these temptations and say NO. Even if you declare out loud: “No! satan, get away from me.” The Word says that we should submit to God, resist the Devil, and then he will flee from us. We can overcome. 

You can recognise his sly schemes today and take a bold stand to crucify your flesh by walking away from every wrong desire. As soon as you make the brave choice, the Holy Spirit is there to empower you, and you become a victor!

Even Jesus was led into the Wilderness where he was tempted by satan. Jesus, however, never gave in, and responded to each attempt, with “It is written.” He knew His authority and what already belonged to Him. Therefore none of the devil’s tricks worked. Jesus stepped out of that wilderness with power and His public ministry began. 

When you overcome temptation, you can step into realms of power. Your destiny awaits. Jesus paid the full price for your freedom. 

Declare this: 

• “I am not a slave to fear and addiction” (2 Timothy 1:7) 
• “I have the mind of Christ and can make quality choices that lead to prosperity” (1 Corinthians 2:16) 
• “The fear of God overrides my desire for old habits” (Proverbs 1:7)

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, I recognise why I have been going in cycles of despair. Every time pressure arise, I fall back into temptation. I choose to be fully persuaded and act by faith. Today marks the first day of true freedom, and I renounce all familiar spirits and generational cures that had a right to my life. Thank you, Holy Spirit, for showing me any open doors; I want to close them today. I allow You to look into every area of my heart and show any hidden faults lurking within me. When You set me free, I am free indeed. I love you, Lord. Amen.