Hi, friends. Today I want to talk about temptation. The number one thing that stands in the way of so many of us in recovery, and honestly people in general, and a healthy, happy life.
1 Corinthians 10:12-13 (NLT) "So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it."
What is temptation? The dictionary says temptation is the desire to do something, especially something wrong or unwise. I would agree with that definition. I’ve had way too many desires through the years to do something wrong or unwise, something harmful, something I KNOW is wrong and not good for me. Temptation, cravings (gosh I hate those) and urges are all too common during active addiction and early recovery. The longer you’re in recovery, the less they happen, but it takes time to get there, and in the meantime, we need to know how to handle the temptations that threaten to derail us.
Figuring out you’re triggers is really helpful. Are you tempted by certain places or activities? I was! Big time. I remember the first time I went to the beach sober, I cried. I LOVED sitting on the beach with a glass or two or five of wine. Then I couldn’t and I wanted it badly. For about 30 minutes. Someone told me early in my recovery that cravings last no more than 30 minutes, to just hang on for that long and then it would pass. 30 minutes can feel like eternity at the beginning, when every fiber of your body, every thought in your head is screaming at you. But, like so many things in recovery, if you hang in there and don’t give in, it will pass. Sitting on my porch, riding on our boat, going to parties…. There were lots of situations and places that were hard for me at first.
Being bored is also another biggie for me. I like to be busy, need to be busy, and when I go through an extended period where I’m not, I know I’m not in the healthiest place. Even today, seven years into recovery, I pay attention to that. Situations, places, events are not a problem anymore. I’ve built enough sober muscle memory that I barely remember crying about my first sober beach trip. But being bored will always be the thing I need to guard against. So how about you? What are your triggers? And what can you do to neutralize them?
The good news is we don’t have to do it alone. Our bible verse tells us that God is faithful and will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. The truth is that temptation will not kill you. The addiction will. He also tells us that he will show us a way out so that you can endure.
One thing that worked for me every time was to tell the devil to get behind me in Jesus’s name. In Matthew Chapter 4, When Jesus was tempted in the desert by the devil, He said “Get out of here, Satan.”
Jesus spoke directly to the devil -- and so must we.
Too Christians think they should pray about the devil and ask God to deliver them from his attacks. But the Bible is clear -- God has given the authority to believers to resist the devil.
If you are feeling tempted, tell the devil to leave you alone and call on the name of Jesus for protection. It works.
What else can we do to avoid temptation and stay on the right path?
- Stay Grounded in God's Word:
You know, The Bible isn’t just a book; it’s a living and breathing and speaks to our souls. Make it a habit to meditate on Scripture daily. When temptation knocks, having the Word embedded in your heart serves as a shield. Back to when Jesus was tempted. He countered every temptation with Scripture. It's not just about memorizing verses but understanding their depth and letting them guide your choices.
- Prayer and Community:
The power of prayer is immeasurable. When tempted, turn to God in prayer. Seek His strength and guidance. And don’t overlook the strength found in community. Share your struggles with trusted friends or mentors. Being open about your challenges helps lighten the load and invites support, encouragement, and accountability.
- Practicing Self-Control:
Developing self-discipline is key. Recognize your triggers and patterns. Whether it’s avoiding certain places or setting boundaries in relationships, exercising self-control helps create a buffer against temptation. Remember, saying no to immediate gratification often means saying yes to long-term blessings and growth. Don’t we just love immediate gratification? Our whole world does! But we need to learn to say no.
- Embracing Grace in Imperfection:
We're human, and we stumble. It's crucial to understand that slipping up doesn't define us. God's grace is abundant. When we falter, don’t wallow in guilt and please, please don’t give up! Instead, run into the arms of Jesus, seek forgiveness, and press on in your recovery journey. Each setback is an opportunity for growth and a reminder of our continual need for God's strength. The road to recovery is rarely a straight line. It’s usually full of pot holes and pit falls and turns and offroad excursions. Don’t let a stumble ruin anything. Pick yourself back up and keep going. It’s the only way to get to the other side.
Remember, friends, you are not alone in your struggles. God is just a breath, a thought, a whispered cry for help away. Stay anchored in His Word, tuck it away in your heart, and let your loving Father help you on your journey to a recovered life. You’ll never regret it!
I hope you have a wonderfully recovered day!!
Susanne
