Warriors Arise: August 8, 2023
Matthew 4:3-4 (NKJV) Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” 4 But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’ ”
When the devil suggests this particular temptation, he is appealing to Jesus' physical desire. Many times this is where the devil starts with us as well. He appeals to our natural physical desires. He suggests, "God, wouldn't want you to starve. God, wants you to be happy. You deserve to have this. Think about how satisfying it will be." I have even counseled a dear friend of mine who was believing these thoughts in regard to being satisfied in her sexual desires. She was justifying an affair. I'll never forget when she asked me, "Doesn't God want me to be happy." To which I responded, "Of course, He does, but not according to the desires of the flesh with a man who is not your husband while you are still married to him."
I do not want to step on toes, but I do want to bring the devil out of the darkness he has been hiding. For me, my addiction was food. I thought about it all the time. It was so hard to resist eating when I thought I couldn't have it. That seemed to be the hardest time, "You're overweight as it is, you shouldn't eat that. You know better. Why are you eating so much? Why can't one be enough?" But one was never enough. It never satisfied me until I became free. The guilt would be tremendous and a prison. I couldn't win because if I refuse to eat it then I would be bombarded with self-pity, feeling like everyone else can eat what they want and they didn't gain a pound, but if I even thought about eating that, I would gain five pounds! It was a battle I couldn't win. If I ate it, then I would feel all kinds of guilt and shame. I might have even beat myself up, "I thought you were going to control what you ate. What kind of control was that? You ate all of it and then licked the bowl!"
Maybe you can fly through this first temptation, like Jesus. Maybe you are entangled with the desires of your flesh through food, alcohol, drugs, vaping, sex, cutting etc. Maybe none of that is a battle ground for you, but so many are entangle in this first temptation. So, what can be done if this first temptation ensnare you?
Proverbs 12:13 (NKJV) The wicked is ensnared by the transgression of his lips,
But the righteous will come through trouble.
The righteous will come through trouble. How? How will the righteous come through trouble? Look at the first part of the verse, it will be because of what we say. What is crossing our lips? When I says, "I can't control what I am eating. I can't stop, this is too good. If I don't eat this now, I won't get any until the next family reunion, church potluck, or Christmas festivities."
While I was following the health program, I had to start saying things that aligned with the righteousness of Christ that would get me through my troubles. "I can have that food any time I want. I only want a bite. There will be other family reunions. There is another church potluck next month. I know she bring that dish again. I can wait on that. Christmas doesn't have to be about all the feasting. I am fortunate to have such an wonderful family to commune with." I had to change what I was thinking and saying. I would no longer be allowing things to pass over my lips that would lead me to being ensnared by food, over indulging or foods that would steal my health when eaten in large steady amounts. While I was focused on my health being restored and getting rid of the weight that was making life difficult, I had to change what I was saying, the words that were passing over my lips.
This can be applied to any physical temptation the devil puts before you. You and I will have be purposeful about what we say. The physical temptation was there, but I had to come to the point where I would throw it off, even if it offended fellow Christians or family members. I am thankful for the church potlucks, but I was no longer going to indulge every potluck, eating everything that was brought in order to appease someone's ego. I wasn't out to hurt them, but I wasn't going to eat to please them. I still told them they were a wonderful cook and praised them for their dish. Same with family. My family can cook. There is not one person in my family or extended family that can't cook. Each one has the gifting of making, backing, cooking delicious food. Seriously, we have really good food! We have no need to go out to eat when we get together because every one of us can cook.
With food being a source of addiction, I had to step back and even leave the room when I knew I would cave into temptation. They weren't trying to tempt me. They have every right to cook and bring whatever food they want to eat. But, I couldn't go down that road. I had to keep away from the food that triggered my addiction to food. Many do not understand it is an addiction for me. It is unhealthy, and I don't want to live in that bondage anymore. Nor do I want to cause others to feel bad because I won't eat, so stepping outside or leaving for a little while allows them to have the freedom to eat whatever they want and I have cast aside the weight that ensures me.
Hebrews 12:1-2 (NKJV) Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
This is not an issue or point of entanglement for many. I rejoice in the fact others do not have to face what I have. There is a way, through the righteousness of Christ, we are free. Jesus opened the door for our freedom. He has demonstrated for us to speak the Scripture that will shut the mouth of the devil and his entanglement. I have used that very Scripture above when I feel the temptation of the devil to eat beyond what my body needs. I have used several other Scriptures. When the devil tempts us to sin through our flesh, we can defeat Him with Scripture. We, through Christ, have power to speak the Word of God and defeat the devil who tempts the desires of our flesh.
Father, I am so thankful for Jesus. His example to submit to You and Your will, resist the devil, demonstrates exactly what I can do to have freedom from the temptation of the devil. Thank You for Your Word. It is powerful. My flesh is weak. I have believed so many lies. I have been led astray by the devil's temptations. I have allowed my flesh to have whatever it desires without seeing that it was leading to destruction. I pray, when I take a stand against the temptation of the devil, others do not ridicule me or judge me. This is my battle and You have given me the power to overcome. I will take a stand against the temptation of the devil. Thank You for Your Son leading me into victory. I see how He ruled over His body and physical desires to honor You. I will follow His example and walk in the strength and freedom He offers in Jesus' name amen.
A Warrior in the Lord’s Army,
Veridee Joy Hand
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