Temptation: If we are actively trusting and desiring God, why is it still a problem?

 I was reading from my favorite devotional "Streams in the Desert" today (if you don't have a copy, go and buy one, you won't regret it!) and this was today's entry:

 April 12

“And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, being forty days tempted of the devil” (Luke 4:1-2).

Jesus was full of the Holy Ghost, and yet He was tempted. Temptation often comes upon a man with its strongest power when he is nearest to God. As someone has said,”The devil aims high.” He got one apostle to say he did not even know Christ.

Very few men have such conflicts with the devil as Martin Luther had. Why? Because Martin Luther was going to shake the very kingdom of hell. Oh, what conflicts John Bunyan had!

If a man has much of the Spirit of God, he will have great conflicts with the tempter. God permits temptation because it does for us what the storms do for the oaks–it roots us; and what the fire does for the paintings on the porcelain–it makes them permanent.

You never know that you have a grip on Christ, or that He has a grip on you, as well as when the devil is using all his force to attract you from Him; then you feel the pull of Christ’s right hand. –Selected

Extraordinary afflictions are not always the punishment of extraordinary sins, but sometimes the trial of extraordinary graces. God hath many sharp-cutting instruments, and rough files for the polishing of His jewels; and those He especially loves, and means to make the most resplendent, He hath oftenest His tools upon. –Archbishop Leighton

I bear my willing witness that I owe more to the fire, and the hammer, and the file, than to anything else in my Lord’s workshop. I sometimes question whether I have ever learned anything except through the rod. When my schoolroom is darkened, I see most. –C. H. Spurgeon

This truly spoke to my heart today because lately I have been struggling with being bombarded with impure thoughts. I don't understand why they come. I desire them in no way, and I find no delight in them only shame and fear. I keep asking the Lord to shield me, to guard me, and for His presence to consume me. For awhile I was very discouraged because nothing seemed to change, things were actually getting worse. When I read this entry today though, a light dawned. I realized that it is because I am clinging to my Savior and asking Him for help that the tumult of thoughts is worse. Satan is pulling out stronger ammunition because his other attempts aren't working. Basically, things are going to get worse before they get better. I know as sure as I know my Jesus that no harm will come to me if I cling to His hand. Your prayers dear friends would be appreciated. Being under attack is very hard and wearing. However, I know that "This battle is the Lord's". He will fight for me. Be encouraged if you are facing similar attacks. Cling to the truth. When you find your mental strength wavering, SING! Hymns especially will get your mind and heart in the right place.

If you have need of special prayer, please feel free to contact me. I would love to pray for you! You may be as specific or unspecific as you are comfortable with. No sin is greater than any other. Whether you struggle with sexual temptation or destructive speech, it doesn't matter. It is all the same in God's eyes. Your sinful tendencies are no worse than anyone else's. One reason I am sharing on this topic today is to show how human I am. I do not want people to think I am perfect or always make the best choices because I DO NOT. I am sure of only one thing "I am a great sinner, and Christ is a great Savior." (John Newton).

Give the battle to Jesus, say HIS NAME (I mean literally out loud!) Satan and his demons fall away at the sound of His name. There is power in HIS NAME!

Stay Strong! Fight!! 

Blessings,

Miss Morgan