Life is always a struggle. First, we struggle with God. He says no to certain things, do we say yes to them? Does God have the wisdom to know what is best for us? If I say God is right about everything, in every column, is that too often? No! Why? Because, my habits and plans are deeply rooted. Consider praying:
“Father, you are right about everything, today I will change some of my plans, and start doing things Your way.” I am praying often:
“Lord, You are my pleasure.”
My pleasures get me into trouble, don’t satisfy, and they cause me frustration. But, I am so convinced that my pleasures are the answer.
Second, the minute we think that our pleasures are great, satan has permission to lead us on a wild ride. Instead:
The person who quits porn turns instantly when a risky scene comes on. The drinker/drug user who quits will aggressively say “No” if anyone brings up the party. All people who quit for a period of time can explain the destruction that their habit causes for five minutes straight. What do all of these quitters have in common? They aggressively slammed the door when temptation arose.
Third, satan needs permission to harass you. He gets permission when you consider your options and think about the short-term pleasure you could get. When you slam the door shut instantly, and start to Praise the Lord, satan will do a burnout in his car trying to get away from you as fast as he can.
Fourth, our flesh does want that habit, but temptations are only about 10% as bad if you keep slamming the door on temptation. Consider praying:
“Father, help me to slam the door on temptation instantly.”
With the habit of slamming the door on temptation instantly, it becomes a fair fight. You can win a fair fight.
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