Side by Side

I have come to the conclusion that there are levels to this ‘Fight’ thing.

You know how you think that you’re going through a process that’s totally exhausting and you’re trying not to cave in? Well, there’s always someone trying to resist something bigger. 

Now Jesus, full of [and in perfect communication with] the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness.

Luke‬ ‭4‬:‭1‬ ‭(AMP‬‬)

A friend paid me a surprise visit recently and I was very elated about it. I did my best to put together what I call ‘A Hosting Plan’. Lol. This basically means I put a lot of thought into planning how to host him. Of course, this plan included the main thing – Food! 😅

The D-day came and we started catching up, I got up and went into the ‘Hosting Mode’, served him a tray of water and a bottle of soda drink. Lo and behold, he started apologizing that he wouldn’t be able to take the drink and I thought he was being modest. Right away, I told him I wasn’t going to accept that and that he had to drink it, I opened it in front of him and dropped it in front of him. 

Then he said, “Do you want me to break my soda fast?” Only then did I realize that he was doing his best to fight against excess sugar intake, but there I was tempting him to go back.

So, what does temptation mean to you? 

Keep actively watching and praying that you may not come into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the body is weak.

Matthew‬ ‭26‬:‭41‬ ‭(AMP‬‬)

According to Collin’s Dictionary if you feel “the urge do something, even though you know you really should avoid it, you can refer to this feelings as temptation.”

It’s safe to say that temptation rides strongly on our desires as humans but these desires are things we have power to put under subjection.

Remember what Jesus did with the devil? 

Then the devil said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, command this stone to turn into bread.” Jesus replied to him, “It is written and forever remains written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone.’

Luke‬ ‭4‬:‭3‬-‭4‬ ‭(AMP‬‬)

Despite the fact that Jesus was on a fast and His body literally needed physical food, and despite the devil coming to take advantage of that need, Jesus rebuked him outrightly with the words of Life. He prioritized His place in God’s kingdom and put the devil in his place. 

What is that current desire or need you have? It’s time for you to stick to Jehovah Jireh, your provider, who knows you will need that thing even before it comes up.

What are those unhealthy habits, things or people you need to stay away from? It’s time for you to build your ‘immune system’ through the word, prayers and a disciplined lifestyle, so that you stand a better chance to resist them.

For we do not have a High Priest who is unable to sympathize and understand our weaknesses and temptations, but One who has been tempted [knowing exactly how it feels to be human] in every respect as we are, yet without [committing any] sin.

Hebrews‬ ‭4‬:‭15‬ ‭(AMP‬‬)

Jesus was tempted, so He understands exactly how you feel and He is waiting for you to collaborate with Him so you can fight against those temptations, side by side. 

When will you let Him?