How to Fight the Enemy When You Are Tempted
Can you relate to just wanting a break from satan’s relentless temptations and taunts? Do you ever feel like you could really use a break from his constant reminders of the pain you have suffered because of your past failures or someone else’s?
Me too! It drives me crazy when I’m having a great day and suddenly a thought enters my head and sends me into a dark and difficult place. And it’s just as frustrating when he puts one right in front of me and I give in yet again!
But it helps me to remember that Jesus knows what it’s like to be tempted. The enemy used the same enticements he uses to tempt us: 1. physical need and desires, 2. possessions and power, and 3. pride. (Life Application Bible Notes)
Jesus knows what it’s like to be fully human and tempted but Jesus didn’t sin! He resisted temptation with the “Sword of the Spirit.”
…take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Ephesians 6:17 (NCV)
Three times Jesus responded with the words…
“The Scriptures say.”
Matthew 4:4,7,10
This is one of the reasons I love reading and studying Scripture.
I can’t make use of the greatest weapon in the arsenal God has given us if I don’t arm myself. I want to know God’s will and discern His truth. I want to be armed and ready.
Do you know what Jesus did after He defeated the enemy?
He began to minister to others, preaching, teaching, and healing:
From then on Jesus began to preach, “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.”
Matthew 4:17
He called people to turn from their sins, giving up selfishness and stubbornness to follow God’s will by obeying His directives and commands.
I’ve learned something precious as I’ve turned to the Bible over the past decade and a half. Through Jesus, God not only blesses us with the promise of eternal life in heaven . . . He blesses us with freedom, peace, hope, strength, and love each day. And He blesses us with everything we need to release the past and embrace a future filled with hope.
I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
Jeremiah 29:11
The Lord is true to every promise . . . will you pray with me and thank Him for giving us all we need to fight the enemy?
A Prayer to Fight the Enemy When You Are Tempted
Father, I thank and praise You for Your Word and for making it possible for me to know Jesus.
Jesus, thank you for experiencing humanity in its fullness . . . for allowing yourself to be tempted, to feel pain, to know rejection and encounter the demands and pressures life with people. Thank you for showing me how to live through life’s challenges with wisdom, power, grace, and love—how to trust God’s will and fight the enemy. Thank you for all you have done for me! I love you, Lord. Help me faithfully trust and obey You.
Friend, it’s a great blessing to know that Jesus understands our weaknesses.
This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for He faced all of the same testings we do, yet He did not sin.
Hebrews 4:15
He has given us what we need to fight the enemy whenever we are tempted.
On today’s post-it note write:
By God’s grace, I have everything I need to fight the enemy.
May you be blessed as you fight the enemy with God’s Word today. You can read all of Matthew 4 here.
It’s difficult right now to not feel as though the enemy has already won in what we see happening in this country, but I will depend upon and lean into Jesus, knowing that He sees it all from beginning to end, and won’t abandon His faithful people. May all our hopes be placed in Him!
Blessings, Deb!
I keep surrendering it all to Jesus, again and again and again. Anytime I start to worry, I remind myself that He is working in and through circumstances and people. The days may be challenging but the ultimate victory is ours in Christ Jesus! He is Lord of All! Blessings to you my friend!
Amen Deb
Hello Deb, I enjoy reading the word of God and reading your daily posts! Please lift my son Bralon in prayers that he is completely healed in Jesus name. I claim victory, prosperity, healing, and Gods blessings for 2021. Thanks again for sharing your love for Jesus, it is making a difference in my life. I could listen all day about the goodness of our God
Thank you for your kind encouragement, Ranea! I am praying for you and Bralon and asking God to bless you and meet every need. God be with you!
Hi Deb,
What powerful words….knowing that God has given us everything we need to fight the enemy. He has been tempted and discouraged and has never sinned. The enemy tries to remind us of our past failings but Jesus has conquered all our sins. He goes before us always, we only have to be still…..when we put our trust in Him. He takes on our fight for us and always shows us a way out from all our problems. Thank you Deb for reminding us to put on God’s armour…..He is our salvation.
May God bless you and keep you.
Best wishes
Angela – Dublin Ireland
Angela, you are always such a wonderful kind encourager . . . thank you! Wearing His armor is an essential part of having the strength we need to fight the battle. What a blessing to know that the Lord offers it to us and lovingly guides us in the wearing and fighting. His grace is all-sufficient. God bless you!
I love that you are joy filled and wish I could be more often. I need more faith and strength.
I am praying for you, Nic, and asking God to encourage you and fill you with His peace and joy! And that He will surround you with people who will help you know how much you are loved! God bless you!