Matthew 26:41 Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. (KJV)

Are you watching and praying?

When Jesus was in the Garden of Gethsemane, He told the disciples to watch and pray. He did not want them to fall into temptation. Jesus knew the devil would test them. Just like them, He knows you are going to be tested every day of your life until He returns. 

1 Corinthians 10:13  No temptation [regardless of its source] has overtaken or enticed you that is not common to human experience [nor is any temptation unusual or beyond human resistance]; but God is faithful [to His word—He is compassionate and trustworthy], and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability [to resist], but along with the temptation He [has in the past and is now and] will [always] provide the way out as well, so that you will be able to endure it [without yielding, and will overcome temptation with joy]. (AMP)

Since the Father knew the devil would tempt you, He gave you a way to escape the temptation. You want to “take the way of escape” when others are falling away or yielding to temptation. How do you make the cut? Glad you asked. 

First, you accept what Jesus died for. 

Romans 8:3 For God has done what the Law could not do, [its power] being weakened by the flesh [the entire nature of man without the Holy Spirit]. Sending His own Son in the guise of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, [God] condemned sin in the flesh [subdued, overcame, deprived it of its power over all who accept that sacrifice]. (AMPC)

Second, you recognize the enemy for who he is and what he does, and pray.

1 Peter 5:8-9 Be sober [well balanced and self-disciplined], be alert and cautious at all times. That enemy of yours, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion [fiercely hungry], seeking someone to devour. 9 But resist him, be firm in your faith [against his attack—rooted, established, immovable], knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being experienced by your brothers and sisters throughout the world. [You do not suffer alone.] (AMP)

You cannot take this posture some-of-the-time. It has to be your lifestyle. Why? Because, like the disciples, your spirit is willing, however, your flesh is weak. Bring your flesh under subjection to the will of God. Be on guard and ready for battle when it is comfortable and when it is not. Be on guard and ready for battle when it is convenient and when it is not. Have the habit of being on guard and ready for battle. God has paved your escape route; all you need do is watch and pray. 

Please agree with me as I pray. Then ask the Lord what your prayer should be and wait for His response:

Father, I can remember many times when I made a resolution to accomplish something, correct something in my life or fulfill a task I believed You gave me. In some of those times, I was successful. However, in some of those times I meant well; I just didn’t get it done. I repent for those times and I remain grateful. I will continue to watch and pray. You are showing me what I call my frailties and my failures are opportunities for You to stand up stronger and taller within me. I have to change what I say about what I see. I know how the enemy attacks me. I have to continue to stay in Your presence and continue to seek Your face. If I don’t, I close the free-flowing provision You make available to me to help me succeed. I also miss the opportunity for You to adjust my view of my situation when I look through Your eyes. You look beyond my faults and You see my need. Then You provide for my need and I thank You…

Ask the lord what he wants to say to you about today’s devotional and journal it here: