Feeling Defeated? There's Hope!

“Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Mark 14:38

Have you ever felt like temptations are lurking around every corner? Like no matter how hard you try, something pulls you away from God? The good news is, you're not alone! Mark 14:38 tells us that even Jesus' disciples needed a reminder to "watch and pray" to avoid temptation. Ellen White says, “Temptations may be all around you, yet you are safe as long as you do not enter into them. Many of us are overcome by Satan because we walk right into temptation.... It is your business to keep aloof from everyone and everything which will have a tendency to lead you away from duty and divert your mind from God.... If compelled to be in the society of those who are evil, you are not compelled to enter into or engage in their evil. You can, by prayer and watching, remain unsullied by the evil manifested about you.” Letter 16, 1867.

Temptation: Not Always Obvious

We often imagine temptation as a big, scary monster. But sometimes, it's much trickier. It might show up disguised as something fun, convenient, or even necessary. A friend might pressure you to do something you know isn't right. Maybe social media fills your mind with negativity.

Be Watchful, Be Victorious!

So how do we win this battle? The answer lies in watchfulness and staying close to God. Imagine yourself as a superhero, but instead of fighting with fists, you use prayer and God's teachings as your weapons.

Ellen White says, “A man cannot be a happy Christian unless he is a watchful Christian. He who overcomes must watch; for with worldly entanglements, error, and superstition, Satan strives to win Christ's followers from Him, and to keep their minds employed with his devices. It is not enough that we avoid glaring dangers and perilous, inconsistent moves. We are to keep close to the side of Christ, walking in the path of self-denial and self-sacrifice. We are not to allow our spiritual perceptions to be blinded, as they often are, by a strong, determined will. And in order to detect the artifices of Satan and to withstand his unexpected attacks, we must have the grace of Christ and the impartation of His Spirit....” Letter 5, 1903.

Here's how to be a watchful Christian:

1.    Stay Alert: Pay attention to things that might tempt you away from God. Is there a certain website you find distracting? Maybe a group of friends who lead you down a negative path? Recognizing these triggers is the first step to avoiding them.

2.    Guard Your Heart: Just like a castle protects its treasure, you need to guard your heart – your thoughts and feelings – from negativity. When you encounter something tempting, take a moment to step back and ask yourself, "Is this leading me closer to or further from God?"

3.    Stay Connected: Think of prayer as your constant communication link with God. Talk to Him about your struggles, ask for strength to resist temptation, and seek guidance to make the right choices.

Reflection and Action:

Take a few minutes to reflect on these questions:

• What are some things that tempt you away from God (screens, gossip, negative thoughts)?
• How can you be more watchful in your daily routine (prayer before social media, spending time with positive friends)?
• Who or what resources can help you stay connected to God (family devotions, Bible app, church youth group)?

Remember, with God's help, you have the power to overcome any temptation! You are a victorious Christian, so stay watchful and keep growing closer to Him each day.

Sulad Jhun Cardeinte writes from Adventist International Institute of Advance Studies (AIIAS) Silang, Cavite, Philippines. His email address is acardeinte@aiias.edu

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To read the previous blog articles, go to SULADS Thailand website and click blog section. Direct link below; https://www.suladsthailand.com/blog-1/