This may come as a surprise....
The fact that temptation itself is not a sin comes as a surprise to many of our participants on the Free! course. It also comes as a huge relief and brings freedom to many. Walking as a Christian involves warfare and although temptation is not a sin (Jesus was tempted and did not sin), it is important to recognise the areas where we are most tempted or triggered. Learning not to walk towards temptation or the triggers, learning not to take that second glance or indulge in the next thought, is a learned habit. Capturing our thoughts, walking away, and learning to replace thoughts with biblical ones, is an essential part on our journey towards freedom. Have a read of 2 Corinthians 10:5. I remember my earlier days as a Christian, spending hours just repeating the verse in 2 Timothy 1:7 out loud as I walked to work, to counteract fear in my life. Fear was a temptation/trigger that loomed large back then.
Here is a relevant excerpt from my 70 Days Ponder Action Prayer Challenge soon to be available on our Free! Resources Page.
PONDER
This weekend I struggled. The H.A.L.T. Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired triggers
were all at play. My brain was on overload and I am not proud to share that
it led to some conflict with my husband. Another trigger came into play; my
husband also being on overload and tired. I am again not proud to admit that
I let all of this get to me, I did not show the compassion and mercy that my
Saviour always shows me. My flesh went into justification mode and the “I’m
right, you’re wrong” mode.
“What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come
from your desires that battle within you? You desire but do not
have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so
you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask
God.”
JAMES 4:1-2
ACTION
1. I need now to really ponder this verse and ask God to soften my heart to receive from Him and confess sinful reactions.
2. If I have caused hurt and sinned against someone else I need to ask for forgiveness.
3. What can I practically do to avoid getting in such a state again? I need to
begin by asking God to help me see the warning signs and also not ignore
them (my failure this time, I was already sensing a downward spiral).
4. What desires were battling? It is good to begin to recognize some of
these for future reference. I know I got over tired but that is not my
husband’s fault, or his place to solve it for me. I wanted my husband’s help
desperately However, I needed to run to God for His help in solving the
problem, not place so much expectation on someone else. (Not easy to
admit or even do in the heat of the moment). My husband can never take
the place of my Saviour.
5. It is important to realize that the heightened emotions may take a time
to calm down and they themselves may trigger you into continuing the
conflict. Allow space and time. Rest, be alone if necessary.
6. Remember the enemy is prowling around like a roaring lion seeking for
someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8
PRAYER
Lord, help me recognize the warning signs much earlier. Let me desire your
ways above my own. Please forgive me, Lord. Please restore the joy in my soul.
I need you, Abba. Amen
CHALLENGE
Read the above verse from James several times today asking God what He wants you to know about your own journey with temptation and triggers.
Sally Childress
Co-Founder and Resources Developer Free! Recovery