Repeat After Me: The key to overcoming temptation

“And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.”

How do you overcome temptation? This is a question I've been asking myself for a very long time. When it comes down to it, there are all kinds of reasons we offer up to explain why we chose to say “yes” to temptation instead of saying, “no”. But what does it really take to flip the switch? How do we turn away from temptations, when temptations by their very definition are attractive to us?

I've found it comes down to two things: asking God for help and changing my perspective.

The very first thing I do when I find myself faced with temptation is lean into God. I literally pray out loud, asking God to give me the strength to say no. The Bible says that we will never be tempted beyond what we can bear and that when we are tempted, God will provide a way out for us (1 Corinthians 10:13). Every day I am faced with temptation. Some days multiple times. But no matter what, I know that God will give me all the grace I need. Grace not to live a life without temptation, but a life that can rise above them.

Sometimes overcoming temptation also takes a change of focus. We know that we can overcome evil with good, so when I am faced with temptation I get busy serving others! When I am serving in Jesus' name, I've found it breaks the power of temptation over my life. I dare you to try it! Replace the evil in your life with selfless action and just watch as the temptations begin to slip away.

When I hear the Lord's Prayer, I'm reminded of my need for the Holy Spirit's power in my life. It's as if Jesus is whispering to me, telling me to lean into His guidance and help. When we ask for it, Jesus is ready to remove all the junk from our hearts that cause us to stumble.

With Him we have everything we need to overcome the temptations we face, no matter how big or daunting they may seem. The Lord's Prayer reminds us that it is possible to be free and live with abundance, instead of being chained to poisonous thoughts and behaviors.

It's a journey that starts when you say “yes” to God. And trust me when I say, it's a beautiful one that is well worth every step!