The Power of Not Giving In
When temptation calls, can you endure the test and stand?
There is something so difficult about being good. It’s in our fallen state, in the very weaknesses that called God Himself to descend upon the Earth to save us.
However much we want to, we find it hard to resist temptation.
That delicious meal never looks more delightful than when you’re fasting and trying to subdue your hunger. That romantic affair never looks more attractive than when you’re trying to be faithful to your spouse.
Just when you’ve promised yourself to be patient, a situation arises that tempts you to lose your temper. And just when you wanted to be forgiving, someone hurts you or the ones you love.
In these times of trial, resisting temptation may feel like saying no to your basic instincts. In more ways than you can count, it is like saying no to pleasure, freedom, justice or love. It is like resisting happiness itself!
Indeed, in all honesty, there were times when I just wanted to give in. There is this idea that perhaps giving in would finally end all of my struggles.
But will it?
God is indeed faithful and He has saved me so many times from these false notions. With power and grace, He lifts my gaze towards heaven and gives me strength to flee from sin.
After the moment of trial, everything becomes clearer.
The temptation to give in is great, but there is something greater about not giving in.
There is something about standing your ground and not giving in to whatever emotion tempts you to lose your peace. There is something about not giving in to greed, envy or lust. There is something about resisting what seems to be pleasurable or easy in exchange for something much more valuable even though it may be hard to acquire.
Those things of eternal value may not always be easy to get. They test our patience and resolve. They often make us pass through fire to the point that we feel like giving up.
But after the storm is over, the peace that comes is beyond comparison. You get to know yourself better. And you feel more confident in your steps. Not only because you have grown through the trial. But also because you know you can trust the One who walks with you.
Instead of giving in, you finally understand the power of faith. Instead of losing yourself, you learn to surrender to the One you can always trust.
When you come face to face again with temptation, pray and never give in. Let God give you the power to be stronger than you have ever been.
There is something so precious about not giving in.
“Now I will praise Him in the storm
And I will sing before His throne
I will not fear by day and night
For God is always by my side.”
I hope you listen to this song as we all praise God’s loving heart!