Day 15

Well, I don't think I have had a tougher day since I began this process. I had to speak up a little bit today and bite my tongue when some people made fun of other kids. I had to work hard to convince a professor that I was simply misunderstood concerning turning in one of my projects, and I had to just stay humble and obedient throughout the day.  I am only 25 days from returning to Arizona and that is a weird thought, I will be going "home."

I was thinking about temptation today and came upon Jesus in the desert located in Matthew chapter 4 verses 1-11. Here Jesus goes to the desert, does not eat or drink for 40 days and nights and then Satan comes and pushes him to the limit by asking him to turn stones into bread if He is the Son of God. Then he tells him to throw himself off the highest point of the holy city and angels will come catch him. Lastly, he takes him and shows him all the kingdoms of the world and promises that it would all be his if he just would bow down to worship him. Jesus though weary, stood strong and countered Satan with responses corresponding scripture. You could say "well he is Jesus, of course he did not sin" this is not the point though, the point is that Jesus being fully God and fully human was able to withstand temptation even when he was tired and hungry. 

A problem that I have when I am tempted is that I pretend to want help from God but I am not too sure on how to fight Satan because I really want to do it on my own. Satan tears through my heart easily when it is not protected and seeking God. One way that I can counter the attacks of the Devil is by memorizing scripture and using it to my advantage when a tough situation comes up. I spent 2 years in high school memorizing books of the bible. I cannot remember all of them, but the important ones that stood out are ones that I will never forget. Even though I spent the time memorizing, I am not set with what I need to know. Learning and being able to stand strong is essential to resisting temptation. Praying is also a key to being able to stand strong because with God on your side you are unbeatable. God wants you to succeed and will do all that he can to guide you through tough situations. When I need to keep myself out of situations that will lead to temptation. When you are surrounded by those who can build you up, it is easier to live for God and to be pleasing to him. As I continue to seek him, things will get tougher so being strong in him is key to staying in touch with him.

Continue to follow the plan that God has for you and do not waste a day in achieving your goals.  Press on toward the main goal (Heaven) and you will have nothing to worry about. 

Keep praying and growing in his name.

Joseph Robinson