By Alexis Patterson // Inspiration // EEW Magazine Online

Since the days of Adam and Eve, God’s creation has struggled with temptation. As we know, the first man and woman gave into their cravings and ate of the forbidden fruit.

How can you avoid doing the same when you’re struggling with a habit you need to break? And I’m not talking about little things like biting your nails, eating too many sweets, or popping pimples on your face. I mean a habit that could hinder your walk with the Lord!

If you are battling temptation and feel like you’re losing, the word of God empowers you to overcome!

With that in mind, EEW Magazine Online is equipping you with 7 biblically-supported ways to fight temptation and overcome.

#1 Look to Jesus, the only One able to help you.

Freedom is possible but not without the One who saved us from the captivity of sin. Paul said in Romans 7:24-25 (NKJV), “O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!” He understood, just as you and I must, that there is no freedom without Christ (John 8:36). But through Him liberation is possible.

#2 Know that Christ relates to and cares about your struggle.

We don’t have a cold, distant God who believes that those with weaknesses are unworthy of His love and protection. Christ relates and cares. Hebrews 4:15 (NIV) confirms this truth, which says, “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.”  He understands your suffering and offers His strength when you are weak (2 Corinthians 12:9). You don't have to overcome in your own power. As a matter of fact, you couldn't if you tried, no matter how badly you wanted to. So then, you may as well lean on the Lord. He's your only help and hope.

#3 Fast from natural food and feast on spiritual food.

Fasting is an amazing way to draw closer to God and further away from sin. By afflicting your flesh and saying no to its cravings for food, you discipline yourself to resist fleshly temptation for other things. Do you remember when Jesus was in the wilderness being tempted of the devil? He said in Matthew 4:4 (ESV) “‘It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” When you fill yourself with nothing but the Word, there will be no room for anything unholy in your temple (1 Corinthians 6:19). Take some time you would normally devote to eating to reading the Bible, studying it, and memorizing what it says, and watch what happens!

#4 Tap into your God-given strength to resist.

Temptation may be strong, but through Christ, you are stronger. You have the power to walk away. Tap into His supernatural strength. 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV) says, “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” We all grapple with unhealthy desires from time to time, but the Lord will never let us be confronted by something we do not have the strength to escape. There is always a way out. We may not immediately see the path to freedom, but it is there. Resist!

#5 Confess and pray.

As the saying goes, confession is good for the soul. Aside from admitting you have a problem to yourself and to the Lord, tell someone you trust what you’re going through. James 5:16 (KJV) instructs us to, “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” The Lord puts certain people in our lives so that they can support us and pray for us when we need it most. But you cannot be free from the bondage you won't admit exists. Be honest about your struggle which is the beginning of the process that leads to progress.

#6 Draw closer to the Lord.

In order to tap into divine strength, you must be close to the Lord. Say yes to drawing near to Him, and you'll more readily say no to temptation. How can you do that? By calling upon the Lord. Psalm 145:18 NIV reminds you, "The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth."  If you draw nigh to God, He will draw nigh to you (James 4:8). Furthermore, He will encourage, equip and empower you to apply scriptural principles which are the foundation of victory in every area.

#7 Pray this verse specifically.

As you resist temptation through prayer, specifically pray Matthew 6:13, which is part of the Lord’s prayer that includes a temptation clause. It says in the NIV version, “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” Pray that always.

Fighting temptation is not easy, so you must seek the Lord, and know that it is His will for you to be strong and steadfast in resisting temptation. If you look to Jesus, the author and finisher of your faith (Hebrews 12:2), He will help you break through any cycle—no matter how difficult the fight.