Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: ROAD (05/19/22)
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TITLE: Potholes and Temptations | Previous Challenge Entry
By Art Fahy
05/26/22 -
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Temptations are everywhere. A number of people, myself included, have taken the bait for some get rich or weight loss commercial on television. The car salesman assures us this is the best deal we will ever get on a vehicle. Or the dating apps, that promise to connect you with your true love. These claims are wrapped in decorative paper with a nice bow and false promises. The categories are endless. People buy most of these items on impulse. The Bible tells us to “Wait on the Lord.” Psalm 27:14 NKJV
When I was a new Christian, I would get upset with myself when falling for temptation. I found myself saying “what’s the use?” That is exactly what Satan wants us to say. There have been times I got angry because someone cut me off in traffic and stewed about it for hours. Of course pride sneaks in, thinking more of myself than others? I could go through the deadly sins and say I have been tempted but haven’t acted on all of them. It is easy to fall prey to the enticement of the secular world if we are not paying attention.
The more I seek God the more Satan shoots his arrows at me. God has given me His Spirit so I can grow to be like His Son Jesus. Satan will do whatever he can to prevent that from happening. Today I don’t say, “what’s the use?” Temptation will always come knocking at my door. We have a sinful nature and will always be battling with it. The question is will I walk the road of the Holy Spirit or fall for the enticement of my sinful nature. Today, I view temptations as a blessing. They show me what is in my heart and mind. With the help of the Holy Spirit, I can guard my heart from any intrusion that is not pleasing to the Lord.
The Holy Spirit alerts us to the dangers we will face. He has the wisdom and strength to help us overcome anything that is not of God. We must endure when we are tempted. Jesus says in Luke 21:19 ESV, “By your endurance you will gain your lives.” Jesus also told us in John 16:33 we would have trouble in this world. He instructs us “but take heart! I have overcome the world.” In this verse, He gives us a command and then a fact. In 1Corinthians 10:13 NIV Paul writes that God is faithful and he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bare. But, when you are tempted he will also provide a way out so you can endure it.
PatchMaster is the most common material used for filling potholes. It is advertised as easy to use, economical and provides durable lasting repairs. We know, with all the traffic today, the material will wear out. It is only temporary. When we become believers in Jesus Christ something more lasting happens. Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 5:17, NIV “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here.” Relying on the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the Word, prayer, and other Christian’s seeking a decision on which way to go, it will be easier to follow the road the Lord desires us to travel.
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As we experience victories and wins in our battles over temptations and sin, we walk closer with our holy God. He gives us grace and power as we trust Him completely.
Thank you. Blessings!