"Be self controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him standing firm in the faith . . . " 1 Peter 5:8-9. It has come to my attention in the past few months that there seems to be a precursor to relapse. I've heard this from more than one person and have dealt with it myself. Our enemy, the devil, wants nothing more than to destroy your life and mine, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy." (John 10:10). That's his sole purpose in this world and he comes in subtle ways. When he tempted Eve with the apple did he shout "Here I am and what I'm tempting you with will destroy your relationship with God for generations to come!!!"? No, he simply enticed her to eat what must have been a delicious looking apple, afterall, God did make the apple right?
So, she was tempted subtly and she eventually gave in to temptation. We've all done it, we've all been there. However, just when you think things are going great for you when you've been free for a while he comes. "So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall." (1 Corinthians 10:12) Remember, when we fall we've pleased satan and done as he wishes and we've fallen away from God. When we've walked with the devil for a while we've destroyed trust that was built up, integrity that was built, truth that was built, and restored relationships that were built, all built upon the foundation of God.
Here's the point, there's a precursor to falling into temptation believe it or not. Don't believe me? Have you ever gotten the thought in your head about an upcoming time when it's ripe to fall into temptation? For instance, are you a gambler? Maybe you've heard the subtle thought in your head that nobody will know if you're at the casino, maybe I can go just one more time. Are you an alcoholic? If so, have you heard the subtle thought that you'll be alone in the near future and you could have that one last "dance"? Perhaps you're a single parent and share custody of your child with his/her father/mother. On your upcoming "off" night have you heard the subtle thought that it won't matter if you fall into temptation because nobody will be the wiser or it won't be a bad thing to take another trip down memory lane? Here's the kicker, once you've decided you're going to do it, it's too late! You've already agreed to give in when the time comes. You're now walking with the enemy. Don't believe me? For those of us who have relapsed I want you to think of something, is there a stronger force on earth that can stop a person in recovery once they've made that decision? The problem lies with the fact that we've started a journey with the enemy and we're no longer thinking or caring what God wants for us. It becomes all-consuming to reach, what has now become the goal, of relapse. However, there's good news on the horizon.
Stand firm in your faith and "take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:5)and brace yourself for the subtle onslaught that is temptation from the devil. Falling into temptation doesn't have to happen. Before entertaining the thoughts that come your way become reality at the point of decision making, ask yourself if what you're thinking is from God or from the thief who comes only to steal kill and destroy. The enemy won't come shouting, I can assure you of that because I've lived it myself. Rather, stand firm when the storm comes. Don't give in to temptation and continue to live free of life's hurts habits and hangups.
