Preparing For Victory
1 Peter 5:8-9
8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a
roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
9 Resist him, standing firm in
the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the
world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
The best way to be successful in not giving into temptation is preparing
beforehand for victory. If you’re struggling with alcohol, ministering to
people in a bar is not you’re calling. If gossip is an issue than chatting with
Mr. Gossip by the watercooler at work isn’t the greatest spot to hangout.
We need to be aware of our weaknesses and not set ourselves up to fail.
Strategic preparation is important when we are on the spiritual battlefield of
life. Spending time with people who will give Godly counsel and
encouragement is an important part of a successful journey.
1 Timothy 6:11-12
11 But you, Timothy, are a man of God; so run from all these evil things.
Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance,
and gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight for the true faith. Hold tightly to the
eternal life to which God has called you, which you have declared so well
before many witnesses.
One time when I was on a walk, a friendly dog caught up to me and I
reached down to say hello. He was connected by a leash to an attractive
young woman who said hello and asked if she could walk with me. I quickly
hit the panic button and turned around to get something from the car. Yes, I
looked a little awkward, but I was thankful that I didn’t put myself in a
position of serious temptation. No matter how many successes we’ve
experienced in life, we are all only one step away from stupid.
When we find ourselves blindsided by temptation, it’s important to bring
God’s truth into the situation as soon as possible. When we see that the
temptation has caught us unprepared and on vulnerable ground, it’s
important to think like Joseph and run. Don’t be afraid to look a little
awkward and get out before we start rationalizing poor decisions.
What is the Holy Spirit saying to you through these scriptures?
