I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. Now if I do what I do not want, I agree that the law is good. Romans 7:15–16, NRSV
Temptation is everywhere, pulling on me, tugging at my body and exhausting my mind. Paul said it: “I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate…. I can will what is right, but I cannot do it. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I do” (Romans 7:15–16, 18–19, NRSV). That is my predicament. I am so weak without Christ.
Help me to resist temptation. I pray that He will teach me not to give into “I can’t” thinking. I’m a Christian, a child of the King! I must avoid putting myself in places that tempt me to sin and surround myself with like-minded people who are a good influence for me and don’t lure me into sinful behavior.
I can’t depend on myself to fight this alone. I will throw myself on Christ’s mercy and plead for help. I am so thankful that my Lord wants to help me through this, and that all I have to do is ask.
FAITH STEP: Think of a temptation you’ve recently faced—to be rude, to eat too much, to gossip, or something else. Whatever it might be, equip yourself through prayer so that the next time you are tempted by something similar you are fortified and ready to fend it off.
Contributed by Judy Baer
