I believe that most of the challenges we face in life are temptations to do things we know we should not be doing. Resisting some of these temptations is often just a matter of commitment, self discipline, and habit, such as using foul language, lying, gossiping, etc. Some temptations, however, cannot be overcome with our own strength. Things like the many addictions that are often more than people can overcome on their own. I think in many of the cases of addiction, it is not possible to overcome without God’s help.

We stand in the checkout line at the store and see the tabloids telling about the continuous relapses of addictions many celebrities deal with, and many of us have our own friends and loved ones who battle with addictions, never seaming to be able to overcome. I believe in order to overcome these challenges; they must have faith in God and His power.

Ephesians 6:12 says, “For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.”

These forces are stronger than us on our own, but as John writes in 1 John 4:4, “the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world.”

With God’s spirit in us we can overcome the forces that pull us toward these evil temptations.

Dear Lord, Thank you for giving us your Spirit to teach us and give us strength. Help us rely on you and your spirit to overcome temptation and live lives that glorify you. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.