Scriptural Readings: I Corinthians 10:13, James 4:7-8
Notifications. How compelling are they? Have we uncovered its heart? How do we receive notifications? Do we get our messages through traditional methods, like talking face-to-face or sending letters? Or modern means, such as text messages and social media posts? We now live in a world filled with notifications in various forms. We must decide what we want to receive and how.
I Corinthians 10:13
King James Version
There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God [is] faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear [it].
New Living Translation
The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.
James 4:7
King James Version
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
New Living Translation
So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Flee from the devil.
One thing leads to another. One of the many reactions we experience after realizing sin has engulfed us. And we now face hopeless circumstances. An old problem since the world began. It always starts with temptation. Temptation is often the first step in a chain of events that can spiral out of control fast. The urge to succumb to temptation can be powerful. And if one does, one might spiral into sin and sorrow. This cycle has existed throughout history. And the devil will not stop. He planned to search and destroy. He will continue to do what he loves: steal, kill, and destroy. We draw the line from here. God is omnipresent. Help and blessings are always on their way. One thing the devil cannot stop.
How can we flee the devil? Most Christians need answers to these unanswerable and universal questions. We must not back out but turn to the Bible and prayer for strength and guidance. Relying on our faith and the power coming from God, we can resist schemes and overcome temptation. God has already made his point, escape. And we have to act. We must first determine what brought us to this place, where we never intended to be. Correct? There must be a way to avoid such a place. Conviction, yes, the Holy Spirit never stops convicting us. We can feel the Holy Spirit’s call to holiness, yet many ignore it, leading us astray. To accomplish what God has shown us, we must do our part. If we do not act, destruction will follow. God did the unthinkable by giving us a way to escape, and we must do our part, the easiest part, to get out.
James 4:8
King James Version
Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse [your] hands, [ye] sinners; and purify [your] hearts, [ye] double minded.
New Living Translation
Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.
Draw near to Him.
He is doing a tremendous job.
The Holy Spirit convicts and instructs us. It may sound like a cliché, but most Christians are neglectful. Isn’t it true that we must draw near to Him, and He will draw near to us? The Holy Spirit indwells in us, and yet we ignore Him. Right? What do we do with useless things? We throw them away. Decluttering. Correct? We never regret giving away things we do not use. Moreso, we were glad we did it. From time to time, we consider it rubbish. We do this to the Holy Spirit when conviction and instruction become meaningless and useless. When was the last time we paid attention to the Holy Spirit? This question answers what, where, and how we are today.
When we disregard the Holy Spirit, we risk losing its power and existence. When we ignore the promptings of the Holy Spirit, we cannot receive divine guidance. We can become complacent and apathetic towards spiritual gifts and miss out on growth and transformation. If we do not listen to the Holy Spirit, we will be off track and disconnected from our faith. The way to enjoy the full benefits of a relationship with God is to heed the Holy Spirit.
God has never left us, nor will He leave us in any situation. We keep running away from Him. We are more inclined to believe in evil than to accept His blessings. Evil will fill this world in the future. The Holy Spirit reveals truth with a distinctness no one matches. When it becomes unbearable, we should pray with a deep sense of faith and conviction, without a single iota of doubt. Draw near to Him. He will come near you, and the devil will flee. A divine assurance we should have claimed at the beginning of the temptation.
It is undeniable that the Holy Spirit is available 24/7. It is up to us to acknowledge His notification. By claiming the promise of the Holy Spirit and listening to Him, we can overcome evil and live in His grace. When we pray in faith and draw near to God, we can resist temptations with assurance. It will keep our hearts and minds safe from evil. God will help us endure and remain faithful even in difficult circumstances by assuring us of His presence. With this assurance, we can trust He will help us overcome temptation and live in His will.