19 Apr Putting Carnal Temptation into Submission
“Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” – Matthew 26:41
“…But the flesh is weak.” From that context, that’s all I know before God asserted me in this situation before I ever desire to commit my days to Him for fasting. Regardless of the whole reason why, I knew putting my flesh into submission’s going to be the main criteria, rather a test. As coz, I’ve desired to submit and put God first, setting aside all my worldly desires hasn’t been that a big struggle for me as I was too willing until God actually showed me how it is to give up – give up my usual ways and my “typical desires.” Applying the ability to say NO to things sure is hard, but quite fulfilling knowing you please God by stepping up and trusting Him through submission – by saying NO to temptation and saying YES to Him.
It hasn’t been long since I’ve started fasting, and so I didn’t think I’d get that breakthrough yet like everyone is saying about when you pray and fast. Basing on how God has been teaching me spiritually, mentally and physically at the same time, I never thought that breakthrough could get to a great extent. It’s when I’ve come to perceive and realize that my worldly desires aren’t built for me to aspire and embrace, for me to long and much worst, for me to cling into. And so, all that things I thought I have to do, things I thought I need to have (in a worldly perspective) that would and could be a worth in my life that could define who I am and what I can do – All that to just become a BIG FAT FALSE. Not until you let God intervene won’t you realize how you’ve compromised with the world and how the world has overcome you. As said in Mark 8:36, “What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?” When I chose to lift up and surrender my worldly ways and desires to God, I didn’t realize the depth of what I have to give up and what it’d take me to. But what I’ve realized is that, to overcome, it’s not about me, but me with God. I remember as a kid, I use to sing a song that says, “For the victory is mine and the battle is the Lord, hosanna, hosanna!” I didn’t think a song that has been stuck in my head for ages could help me come to a good conclusion. Overcoming life struggles through fasting – through submission, made it clear to me that God’s grace is sufficient. I’ve read it in books, I’ve retweeted and reposted it millions of times, but not until it became a breakthrough in my life, it’s when I actually realize and understand what 2 corinthians 12:9 means. As I seek and know Him more, regardless of how hard it is to overcome and say no, it gives me peace knowing that He is for me and not against me.
“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” – 1 corinthians 10:13
And so…
“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” – James 1:12