Devotional

Temptation isn’t a matter of if—it’s a matter of when. Every believer faces it. And more often than not, it comes when we’re tired, discouraged, or alone—when our guard is down.

I’ve had moments where temptation didn’t come like a full-blown attack—it came like a whisper. A compromise that seemed small, a thought that went unchecked, a moment where I knew what was right but felt pulled toward what was easy. Temptation is sneaky like that. It always promises more than it delivers.

But the good news is this: we are not powerless.

James 4:7 gives us a powerful, two-step strategy for resisting temptation. The first step? Submit to God. That might sound backwards at first—shouldn’t we start by resisting? But here’s the truth: we cannot resist temptation in our own strength. Our willpower has limits. But God’s power does not.

Submission to God means inviting Him into every area of our lives. It means saying, “God, I want what You want. Not just in the big decisions, but in the small, quiet choices no one else sees.” It means surrendering control, confessing weakness, and leaning into His strength.

And once we’re submitted to Him, we are then equipped to resist the devil. Not just ignore him. Not just try to do better next time. Resist. Actively. Intentionally. Firmly.

I love the promise that follows: “And he will flee from you.” That’s not a maybe. That’s a guarantee. When we’re walking in submission and standing in the authority Christ has given us, the enemy can’t stick around.

Resisting temptation isn’t just about saying “no” to something—it’s about saying “yes” to something greater. It’s saying yes to freedom, to peace, to righteousness, to joy that lasts.

One thing I’ve learned is that temptation grows in the dark but weakens in the light. That means when we bring it into the open—through prayer, through accountability, through God’s Word—it begins to lose its power.

Here’s what helps me stay grounded when temptation comes:

• I remind myself who I am in Christ. I’m not a slave to sin anymore (Romans 6:6).
• I bring truth to the forefront. Scripture is my sword. I speak it, think it, and declare it.
• I don’t fight alone. Whether it’s prayer, community, or simply calling on the name of Jesus, I remember I have help—and so do you.

Today, don’t just try harder. Trust deeper. Submit your heart fully to God, and when temptation comes knocking, you’ll be ready to stand firm—not in your strength, but in His.

Victory over temptation isn’t just possible—it’s promised.