How to handle temptation

No temptation has come to you that has not been human. God is faithful, and he will not allow you to be tempted beyond your strength ; but with temptation he will also prepare the way out, so that you can bear it. 1 Corinthians 10:13

The purpose of Satan is to steal the seed of truth from your heart by sending distracting thoughts. This should encourage you to know that the devil considers you a good enough Christian to serve as a target.

The difference between a Christian and a non-Christian is the following : Though they may have good or bad thoughts, Christ gives his followers the strength to choose good rather than evil. You see a man going to a prayer meeting with a Bible under his arm. This man was undoubtedly tempted to stay at home, play bowling or participate in another activity. But as these thoughts came to his mind, he made the right choice and headed for the church.

Another man goes through the night in a bar. He surely realized that it was better to stay at home with his family. But he yielded to negative thought and yielded to his weakest appetites.

It's not the temptations you have, but the decision you make about them that matters.

Prayer for the day

Decisions will have to be made every day, Lord. With your strength and wisdom, help me make the right choices.

Billy Graham