Pour Orange Juice All Over It

In last night's episode of The Biggest Loser, a television show about people trying to lose weight, a group of five contestants were locked in a room for four and a half hours a day with temptation.  They were faced with mounds of candy, desserts, and fatty snacks.  After two weeks of healthy eating and exercise, these temptations appeared even more exaggerated. One said something about it being "my worst nightmare."

As the clock began ticking, and minutes and hours loomed ahead, instead of being lured by the old deceit, "Oh, one bite won't matter," or "Oh, that would taste really good about now," right from the start, one man began moving the trays and bowls and plates out of direct view.  But one woman knew that out of sight might not be good enough.  She walked up to the display and poured orange juice all over the donuts and pizza and chips, the candy and desserts.  All those temptations sat soaking in orange juice, and suddenly, they didn't look so good anymore. 

Two of those five teammates had the audacity to face their temptation and fear.  And it had a positive impact on the rest.

We all struggle with something overwhelming, be it addictions, or fear, or the terrifying grip of peer pressure.  Or to be anxious, angry, harsh or selfish.  You are not alone.  Everyone struggles with something, some more visibly than others.

Pour God's Word over it.  Marinate that temptation or fear in Scripture.  Memorize a passage of the Bible or a series of pertinent Bible verses, and recite His Word out loud.  Write it down.  Carry it with you.  Repeat as necessary.  And God will use the power of His own Word to change you, transform you, enable you to see your situation through different eyes and heart, to see deceit for what it really is, and to grasp His strength, even in the midst of it.  And the wisdom to do something different ("why didn't I think of that before?").

Yes, temptation is often too hard to withstand, but not too hard for Him.

And when I choose to take God's Word for what it is, stand up and walk away from temptation, it provides a path of liberty and strength for others to do the same.

How can a young man keep his way pure?
By guarding it according to Your Word.
...I have laid up Your Word in my heart,
that I might not sin against You.

                             Psalm 119. 9, 11

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man.
God is faithful,
    and He will not let you be tempted beyond your strength,
but with the temptation will also provide the way of escape,
that you may be able to endure it.
                        
                             1 Corinthians 10.13