A few weeks ago during my quite time I heard God tell me that He wanted me to fast once a week. So I sat down and told my wife and we picked a day that is easiest on our schedules for this to happen. I began this with a little trepidation since God didn't tell me how long this was to last. However, I have gone along with it and it has been an extremely positive experience so far.
One lesson that I recently learned / was reminded of through fasting was to flee temptation. The way that this came about was through the way I unconsciously decided to schedule my day on fast days. I decided that I would avoid places with easy access to food. This included working at home where I could, without thinking, walk into the kitchen and start snacking. I decided this because it has happened to me before on fast days. That's when I just recently remembered where Paul admonished Timothy to "flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart." (2Tim. 2:22)
So, this has forced me to think, "Do I really flee from temptation, or do I try to stand toe to toe with it?" My answer is not always. I was also forced to ask myself, “Am I responsible for putting myself into compromising situations?” The answer, sadly, was yes. However, it is my endeavor to get better at following the advice of Paul to flee when temptation comes and to do my best to avoid where I know it lurks hiding in the shadows ready to pounce. In addition to this, we believers need to make sure that we have constantly have our spiritual track shoes on so that we do not fall prey to temptation. So if you have issues with content online and thoughts begin to arise, take the time to go for a walk and pray. If you have issues with eating get away from the food and don't allow yourself to go down certain aisles at the grocery store. If you have problems with gossip leave the group when the conversation takes a wrong turn and they are unwilling to change the subject. If the issue is 100% in your mind than take the time to pray and begin to think about “whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute…(Phil. 4:8).”
Lastly, when you flee remember to call out to God and seek the strength that He gives to all who ask it of Him (Psalm 105:4). The reason is that we do not run this race alone! Our brothers and sisters in Christ are available to help us when trials and temptations confront us.
Just remember when temptation comes, “Run Christ follower, Run!” God will hold up the stop sign for you when you've ran far enough.
One lesson that I recently learned / was reminded of through fasting was to flee temptation. The way that this came about was through the way I unconsciously decided to schedule my day on fast days. I decided that I would avoid places with easy access to food. This included working at home where I could, without thinking, walk into the kitchen and start snacking. I decided this because it has happened to me before on fast days. That's when I just recently remembered where Paul admonished Timothy to "flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart." (2Tim. 2:22)
So, this has forced me to think, "Do I really flee from temptation, or do I try to stand toe to toe with it?" My answer is not always. I was also forced to ask myself, “Am I responsible for putting myself into compromising situations?” The answer, sadly, was yes. However, it is my endeavor to get better at following the advice of Paul to flee when temptation comes and to do my best to avoid where I know it lurks hiding in the shadows ready to pounce. In addition to this, we believers need to make sure that we have constantly have our spiritual track shoes on so that we do not fall prey to temptation. So if you have issues with content online and thoughts begin to arise, take the time to go for a walk and pray. If you have issues with eating get away from the food and don't allow yourself to go down certain aisles at the grocery store. If you have problems with gossip leave the group when the conversation takes a wrong turn and they are unwilling to change the subject. If the issue is 100% in your mind than take the time to pray and begin to think about “whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute…(Phil. 4:8).”
Lastly, when you flee remember to call out to God and seek the strength that He gives to all who ask it of Him (Psalm 105:4). The reason is that we do not run this race alone! Our brothers and sisters in Christ are available to help us when trials and temptations confront us.
Just remember when temptation comes, “Run Christ follower, Run!” God will hold up the stop sign for you when you've ran far enough.
Realizing that I am purposely NOT avoiding temptation is always a good wake-up call, and that abrupt honesty with myself usually startles me into remembering to run away. But I've found that you cannot just run - you have to have something to run TO, and that needs to be God!
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