Pray -> Firmly Resist -> Turn Away

Sometimes, when I am assailed by temptation, I try to do what I can to not fall into doing the wrong, but before I realize it, I have given into the temptation. Later, I'm sorry that I had given in. I pray that I will no longer do those things again. I pray that I will overcome. But, as you all have experienced, it's easy to keep on doing it. It seems like it's sometimes a never ending cycle.


Why?

Why did I keep falling?...
This week, I was reading in the book of Proverbs.

Proverbs 1:10 says, "My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not." Or you could say, my son, if  temptations come upon you, consent not.

I paused at this verse. I thought, it says that I must not do it, but how do I keep from doing the wrong?

Then I read this beautiful quote:

 Hear the voice of God: "My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not." Those who are controlled by the Spirit of God are to keep their perceptive faculties awake; for the time has come when their integrity and loyalty to God and to one another will be tested. Do not commit the least injustice in order to gain an advantage for yourselves. Do unto others, in small matters as well as in great, as you would that others should do unto you. God says, "Ye are my witnesses." You are to act in my place. Could the curtain be rolled back, you would see the heavenly universe looking with intense interest upon the one who is tempted. If you do not yield to the enemy, there is joy in heaven. When the first suggestion of wrong is heard, dart a prayer to heaven, and then firmly resist the temptation to tamper with the principles condemned in God's word. The first time the temptation comes, meet it in such a decided manner that it will never be repeated. Turn from the one who has ventured to present wrong practises to you. Resolutely turn from the tempter, saying, I must separate from your influence; for I know you are not walking in the footsteps of our Saviour.*

There was the key to victory: dart a prayer -> firmly resist -> resolutely turn from it!

 "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you...." ~James 4:7,8

 

*The quote:  Ellen White ~ Review & Herold, May 9, 1899