“The Reason We Struggle” Question 2/244

Do you count your blessings or think your blessings don’t count?

This one made me stop and think a minute. Why do I get these kinds of questions when life stinks? It’s like God is daring me to be self-centered … which I am already.

I was also amazed that my good friend-slash-discipler gave me the same advice. Satan has been hammering me the past two weeks using my own flesh against me. Even though I know it’s not a sin to be tempted, I explained to my friend that I feel incapable of fighting temptation. I have to “take every thought captive” with direct prayer to God (which always works in the moment). But as soon as that temptation subsides another thought rushes in and I am constantly forced to choose either to sin or to ask God for the Holy Spirit’s power over the flesh. After I finished venting, my friend said,

“I know this doesn’t sound encouraging, but you’re probably going to struggle with this temptation the rest of your life. What God has commanded you to do right now though, is to thank Him in all things. Here’s why: in order to overcome every temptation that comes your way, you have discovered that praying directly to Him kills the temptation. And over the past few weeks you have been confronted with temptation after temptation and have had to hide yourself in Him and go to Him directly in prayer (probably more than usual). I know it doesn’t make it any easier in the moment, but God is allowing this temptation because He wants you to fall deeper in love with Him. And you will have this temptation the rest of your life because God wants to keep you close to Him.”

And he was right. It isn’t any easier in the midst of temptation, and it’s discouraging when I look at a lifelong battle, but I am thanking God for his blessing me with this temptation and keeping me close to Him.