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Why do we always fight (or at least say we are) temptation when it crosses our minds .

Temptations are always stronger than our thoughts . They are the very things that we KNOW (thought) we should NOT do . So , when a temptation "hits" , it has already gone beyond our rational thought pattern right ? so "fighting" it would be kinda absurd wouldn't it ? . It is like having this 800 pound gorilla sitting on my back when I'm on the ground and saying to myself " I can fight this monkey !! " (its just a monkey right ?)

How do I deal with it .

First , when I get a whiff of a news that a monkey is lurking around the neighborhood , I tell myself , " Whatever you do vahn , just DONT LAY DOWN ! ... or better yet , RUN !!! " . I dont go "check" it out , to see how big , or small , or whether it is "cute" or not .... when that thing gets on my back , I'm done !

It is NOT how "big" or "strong" the temptation is ... it is , rather , how weak I am when it comes to being tempted .



In Christ , our Lord
vahn

Amen brother
I am weak as well, it makes it even worse when it is the only feelings of satisfaction or gratification we get and
also to numb ourselves of the truth of the pain or emptiness we feel.
some will never understand this
I tried to quit smoking several times over my life but always failed, just could find the strength to lay them down
until the last time and yes I did give it to God and He took it away with NO wants or desires of it after, and yes I know it was His strength NOT mine, but I know there are too many times we beg for release from other temptations and are not given it, It has to be in His time and just as with me I learned from those times of smoking and of other temptations as well that they are so much stronger (800 pound gorilla) than I am.
I use to be so judgemental of those with addictions worse than mine......it was only smoking......it was only pot
it was only alcohol, by His grace the last one never got a full hold but the other two.....800 pound gorilla's that sat on my back for 20 some years
My point, I have a new respect for those who are weakened by addiction and I'm not so quick to look down at them
because I know just like me they did not wake up one day and say.....hey I'm gonna waste the next 20 years of my life being a dope smokin pot head or I'm gonna blow out my lungs smokin cigarettes for the next 20 years

I being alone I try to go out but then I find most women on these dating sites want to "go have a drink" first I don't care for it anymore and the next thought is drink = smoke = bad news, I smoked like a freight train when I drank and while yes I would like to have a CASUAL drink, I fear that CASUAL drink will turn to a binge and I will pick up smoking again
....That 800 pound gorilla......RUN!!!!!!

Ok sorry for rambling on in your post brother but good post it was

1Corinthians 10:13
13 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

I pray we ALL are released from our temptations and those of us who need it are given the open eyes to see that temptation is not as easy for some as others, the flesh is weak.

God bless
Thanks Vahn
Cuc

Thank you both for your wisdom brothers.

Luv you both.

Real