Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.

Matthew 26:41

This scripture, though short, packs a powerful message for me. I want to do the right thing. I do want to live by His strength and power. I found that asking a few simple questions could bring more meaning for me.

Who? The awesome God I serve wants me to come to Him so that I can live in His power and not my own flesh.

What? Keep watching and praying, keep opening myself up to the Holy Spirit’s leading. Keep the lines of communication open. Those are my best options.

Why? So that I might not fall into temptation and do something I will regret.

Where? In Him, my spirit and flesh are weak so I need to rest in His strength.

When? Not sometimes, not once in a while, but watch and pray always.

God gives a command and makes a promise for obedience of the command. If I am continually on guard and stand firm in Him, I have a defense against temptation. It does not say I will not be tempted. It does not say I will have a charmed life. It does say that I will not fall.

I hate falling. It is so embarrassing. I get up, look around to see if anyone saw me, and try to laugh it off if they did see.

You cannot laugh off a fall into sin. No humor abounds in that situation, God always sees. That is why He gives me verses like this one to keep me safe.

Lord, you promised that if I watch and pray I can overcome temptation through your Spirit working in my spirit. Thank you for offering your strength to me. Thank you for forgiving me when I forget to watch for it, and consequently stumble, and fall. You are awesome.

Susan P.