Take A STEP Forward

Have you ever noticed that there are certain times when temptation is worse than others? Maybe it is as simple as eating foods you know you shouldn't eat or as complicated as a drug addiction. What if I were to tell you there is a formula that makes you more susceptible to temptation? This formula doesn't apply to every situation and I could definitely add more to it a so could you, but I think it is a good place to start. The formula is HALT. Here is what I mean:

H- Hungry

A- Angry

L- Lonely

T- Tired

When we are hungry, angry, lonely or tired we are more susceptible to temptation. It was profound when I realized there were times when I was more easily tempted. Knowing how easily I can be tempted made me come up with a solution. It is called STEP.

S- Scripture

T- Teachable

E- Encouragement

P- Prayer

Scripture- Psalm 119:11 says, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” Memorizing Scripture is key. It is a practice that can't be stressed enough and also something I am really convicted of. In Luke 4:1-12 Jesus is in the wilderness being tempted by Satan and he quotes scripture 3 times to ward off the temptation.

Teachable- Luke 2:52 says, "And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men". Jesus was God, but he also had a human component that needed to grow and learn just like we do. From an early age Jesus was teachable.

Encouragement- Ecclesiastes 4:12 says, Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of 3 strands is not easily broken. It is important to have people around you that you can text or call when you are bing tempted.

Pray- Luke 22:40 says, "...Pray that you will not fall into temptation" and Mark 11:24 says, "Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." I would be willing to bet that God doesn't want us to fall into temptation and if we pray for his help we will receive it.

Here's the deal: Satan wants to HALT our spiritual growth but Jesus wants us to STEP forward.