Resisting Temptations

Resisting Temptations "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." James 4:7 Each day as we go out into the world we will be faced with temptations to do right or to do wrong, to either follow God or to follow Satan. Over the years when I have been tempted to do anything wrong, I have said to myself that it is the devil that is tempting me, and that I need to resist him. How many times have you said this to yourself when you are tempted? It is important to keep this in your mind, however you will not be able to resist the devil, unless you have submitted to God first. When we find ourselves in difficult situations, we must look at ourselves and ask, "Have I submitted to God in this area of my life, this situation, or this circumstance." Once we have truly submitted to God, we then have the power to resist the devil, but unless God is with us, more than likely we will succumb to the evil and do wrong. Sometimes when we are caught in the middle of a difficult situation, our worldly instincts tell us that we must rely on worldly understanding and worldly solutions. We try to analyze the problem, and try to solve the problem by ourselves, instead of turning it over to God. If you are facing a difficult decision today, don't try to solve it yourself, but turn it over to God, and let him help you deal with it. Although you may think you have the answer, using your worldly judgment, it is better to let God help you, as if you have not asked God for help, it may be Satan that is leading you and guiding you. Don't be ignorant of the devil's devices, but see him for what he is and what he is doing. Don't be fooled by him, but rather turn your situation over to God first, as then you will be able to resist the devil, and do what is right, as God will be leading and directing your path. Robert W. Brock My Daily Devotional Volume Six October 20