“Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” – Luke 22:31-32 ESV
We often think the devil’s work is easily discernible and we can spot it from a mile away and run in the opposite direction, but in truth, the devil works in the shadows. Some things might seem harmless but are part of the enemy’s plan to attack our faith. When temptations come, how can we as believers overcome them?
Imagine a sailor steering a ship through a storm. The waves are powerful and relentless, and any small error could lead to a shipwreck. However, navigating storms gets easier when the sailor is highly skilled, has experience, and is backed by his crew. For a believer, prayer is like the sailor’s compass and sturdy ship, guiding and protecting through the storm, and other believers are like the steadfast crew with whom you fight the tough waves of temptation.
In our Anchor verse, the Lord Jesus Christ warned Simon Peter of the coming trials. Here, He highlights one of the important ways to fight temptations – prayer. When you pray to God, you are acknowledging your dependence on Him and inviting His strength into your life (Isaiah 40:31). When we pray, we draw strength to resist temptation and find direction and wisdom to navigate challenges.
The Bible is filled with verses that can equip you to fight temptation. When Jesus himself was tempted by Satan in the wilderness, he countered each temptation with scripture (Matthew 4:4-7). By immersing yourself in God’s word, you can store up verses that can be your shield against temptation.
Having a strong community of believers around you is also a powerful weapon against temptation. In Luke 22:32, Jesus charges Peter with the responsibility for his brethren in Christ. Walking with other believers who are strong in the faith, strengthens our faith too.
Just as the sailor relies on his tools and crew, the believer relies on prayer to stay focused and strong against the waves of temptation. Prayer provides direction, strength, and support, making it the essential weapon for overcoming life’s tempests.
When we are faced with trials and temptations, we can find encouragement to obey God from those who have faced similar struggles. Do not run away from accountability. It will save you many times. Instead, submit and be open to authority.
Remember, you are not alone in the fight against temptation. With the help of God’s word, the support of other believers, and prayer, you can overcome any temptation that comes your way.
Bible Reading Plan: Mark 15