Triumph over Temptation: From Whining to Victory

Triumph over Temptation: Overcoming Desires of the Flesh to Embrace God's Promises

On a recent Friday night, my husband and I found ourselves at a popular barbecue joint, known for its mouthwatering dishes and extensive drinks menu. As everyone around us reveled in their cold beers and fancy bourbons, I couldn't help but feel a tinge of sadness. Almost 2 years ago, the Lord delivered me from the generational curse of alcoholism, anxiety, and depression (it's a great story! I'll tell it to you sometime!) Since then, I have not had any alcohol; no beer, no wine, no fancy bourbon, no bubbly; you get the picture. While I knew it was for my own good, and for the Glory of God, the temptation to indulge lingered in the air.

On the way home from the restaurant, I was quiet, looking out the window and hiding my silly, uncalled-for tears. Even though I had cried out to God for deliverance, to take the "relationship" with alcohol from me, even though I am so much better off, not running down a path of destruction, my flesh was sad. The beer glasses were so cold that the draft beer had an ice circle that floated to the top of the glass, as evidence of its chill. The bar was so pretty and enticing. It was lit from below and curated beautifully with the fanciest bourbons. Truly! This is NOT what I want for my life or the life of my family! This is NOT who I am in Jesus! But my flesh was sad because I was missing out on the sexy, on the glamour, on the allure, on the imagery. After a few minutes, I wiped my eyes and went on with my evening.

That night, as I pondered my feelings in the middle of the night, I found solace in a familiar place - The Closet. Sitting amidst the darkness, I sought answers from the Lord as to why I had felt that way. I had long learned not to grumble and be discontented because these were qualities that did not align with God's desires for me. When you grumble, sometimes you wander in the desert until you get a different attitude.

Turning to my trusty notebook, I began to pour out my thoughts. I reminded myself of God's promises that had sustained me throughout the years. Just as I marked passages in my Bible, I wanted to ensure I remembered these promises in times of weakness.

In the stillness of the night, I penned down 33 promises from God that resonated deeply with my spirit. Rather than picking up my Bible to read, I started writing down the promises from memory. Thirty-three promises! They poured out of me as quickly as I could get them written in my notebook. Each promise breathed life and empowerment into my soul. As I wrote, I felt the burdens lift and God's peace wash over me.

In The Closet, I was able to see that with Jesus, I am going from Glory to Glory, from Strength to Strength. I know that no good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly before Him. I was able to recall that He works all things for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. I remembered that all His promises are "Yes" and "Amen". And it just went on and on. I truly turned my eyes toward Jesus, and my whole attitude about everything changed. And I was renewed, right there in The Closet, in the middle of the night.

Among these promises, I discovered that I was loved, cherished, and chosen by God. I was reminded that His strength is made perfect in my weakness and that God's grace was more than sufficient to carry me through any struggle. Gratitude filled my heart as I realized that God's promises were steadfast and unwavering. There are more than 7000 promises in the Bible, and not one promise is empty of power! I was overjoyed that Holy Spirit was in The Closet with me that night.

As I reflected further, I recognized that a time would come when believers would face persecution even in our own country. The day may come when openly declaring Jesus as Lord would come at a cost. But in that moment, I knew that even if my Bibles were taken away or my house burned down, the Word of God would still live within me. I clung to the promise of Victory in Jesus, desiring to walk in the power of the Holy Spirit.

My experience in The Closet that night taught me two things. First, we should refrain from whining and grumbling over trivial matters that do not align with God's plan for us. Instead, we should seek solace in God's promises, allowing them to lift us out of the depths of sadness, hurt, and in my case, stupidity. Second, we must store God's Word in our hearts, because it will serve as a source of strength and comfort during trying times.

I share this story with you, Dear Friend, to remind you that you too are the apple of God's eye. His promises are available for you to claim and treasure. In moments of heartache or weakness, be assured that His love for you remains unchanging. Allow His promises to empower and transform your life.

I encourage you to pick up your Bible and discover the 7,000 promises that await you within its pages. When adversity strikes or temptations arise, let these promises be a guiding light, leading you to a place of peace and victory. You, Beloved, through a relationship with Jesus, are destined for greatness.

So, let us abandon whining and grumbling, and instead, embrace the power and love bestowed upon us by our Heavenly Father. I pray that His promises saturate our hearts, ensuring that in the face of any challenge, we rise in victory through Our Lord Jesus Christ!

May your journey be filled with hope, inspiration, and the unwavering Presence of Jesus.

With love, Leslie~