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From Emotional Overflow to Spiritual Strength: Battling Temptation with Faith

Last night, our toilet overflowed with poop water! It started spilling into the hallway—so nasty!

Earlier that evening, I had my own kind of overflow, but mine was emotional. Old temptations crept up on me, making me feel uncomfortable and contaminated.

Instead of letting it fester in the darkness, I exposed it to the light by asking a fellow believer to pray for me. Those moments are tough and can easily consume me, but I’ve proactively prepared for them. 1 Corinthians 10:13 reminds us:

“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 (even though it sometimes feels that way). But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure.”

God has given us the weapons to conquer temptation, but we have to actively choose them. Remember, “He who is in me is greater than he who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4).

Having an intrusive thought doesn’t mean we have to entertain it. Having strong feelings doesn’t mean we have to give in to them.

So, next time you face a struggle, choose the light. Seek support, and know you’re never alone in the battle.

Attitude, Thought Life

But I Want To

The food we eat affects our state of mind and overall health. In order to be fit and healthy, we need to eat well. I’ve realized over time that the same goes for my spiritual and emotional well being.

I started watching a new television series about the struggles of young adults. It has lots of explicit content.

I know what my own personal struggles and temptations are and often try to stay away from content that feeds the beasts. This show is not healthy for me to watch, yet I’m drawn to it.

The things we watch affect our minds and hearts

This is not a “though shall not” thing, more of a “this stuff seeps into my mind and heart” thing.

I’ve come to realize that my mind and heart are not always dependable when it comes to decision making. I can manipulate myself into thinking anything is right for me if I want to.

I am good at rationalizing things. For instance, I want to author books for young adults. I’d also like to mentor young women. This show could potentially help me to understand what it’s like to live as a young woman in this day and age. Therefore, its research. Boom!

I can’t undo the things I’ve seen and heard. They have played a part in my life in one way or another. Adding more length to the reel doesn’t serve me well…

But I want to watch it.

This is where I have to make a choice.

We can’t undo what we’ve seen

Will I submit to my fleshly desires and continue watching? Am I willing to accept the consequences? Do I want to regress to former ways of thinking and old patterns of behaviors?

I honestly don’t know what I’m going to do. I do know what’s best for me, but I don’t always choose that route.

What’s your “But I want to?”