https://odb.org/2024/03/07/strength-and-tenderness
The temptation to sin is always present all around us. It could be the work of dark forces in the spiritual realm, or it could also be naturally occurring as a lot of times it could also be an internal perception. Meaning to say, instead of some invinsible being putting temptations along our way, temptations are just what we see. After all, sin is rebelling against God, being off the mark of righteousness. Our flesh naturally wants to go against the Lord. It is for our born-again spirit-man, our new creation in Christ, to overcome the desires of our flesh. This will be a constant and lifelong battle.
Thus, we should make it a quest for us to outlive the temptations around us. At the end of the day, so that our faith and righteousness may still be intact, and we are victorious. As much as our Lord will be the judge of our success, He also offers us a helping hand. He is our refuge and our protector. We may run to Him for strength so that our new inner man will overcome our old flesh, the latter always wanting to assert control and draw us away from God.
Remember that the fight is not only about issues of morality but also who is in control of our destiny and future. Are we ourselves asserting control, or are we fully surrendered to Jesus as our Lord and Saviour? Are we living in the glory of God’s plans, purposes, and promises for our lives, or are we wanting to live our own lives? The LORD our God, Jesus Christ, our Lord is our refuge and the protector of our lives. We may and must seek Him in times of trouble and challenges.
Just yesterday, I offered words of encouragement to a Muslim colleague who recently suffered a mild stroke and is still undergoing medical treatment. It has been more than 4 weeks now. I wished her that may the Almighty God be her protector in her difficult time of struggle to normalcy. This is also my prayer for all of us that as we may sometimes struggle in life, to outlive the temptations around us, we must make the LORD our God our protector. Seek Him out in prayer and supplication, for He is indeed our refuge!
Ronnie's Thoughts 