TUESDAY JUNE 3
“My
strength is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Co 12:9 NKJV
TEMPTATION
You ask, “How long will this temptation last?”
Sometimes the Enemy’s attack is short-term, other times it is long-term. Paul
had a “thorn” in his flesh, one that wouldn’t go away. Why did he have it?
Pride! “Lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the
revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me” (v. 7 NKJV). Paul spoke five
languages and wrote half the New Testament. With credentials like that it’s
easy to become arrogant. Finally, he stopped praying for an exit strategy and
began to understand God’s purpose: “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength
is made perfect in weakness” (v. 9 NKJV). Pride is one of the most neglected
subjects in church today. Perhaps that’s due to the fact that we receive our
teaching from people who struggle with it themselves. Pride doesn’t necessarily
show on your face, but when you’re under pressure it surfaces in your actions
and attitudes. Pride originated with Satan: “I will make myself like the Most
High” (Isa 14:14 NIV). Often the core of atheism is pride; a person with no God
plays God. Satan used this strategy in Eden. “God knows that in the day you eat
of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God” (Ge 3:5 NKJV). That’s
why Paul told the Philippians, “You must have the same attitude that Christ
Jesus had. Though He was God…He gave up his divine privileges; he took the
humble position of a slave…Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest
honor” (Php 2:5-9 NLT). The key to overcoming temptation is submitting to God
and living in daily dependence of Him.
Taken
from the Word for You Today Devotional
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