Have you ever wondered why it is so hard to resist temptation? Why do we end up doing the very thing that we really didn’t want to do? Why is it we can know what is right, believe what is right, but end up doing the wrong? Say you are on a diet. Ice cream is not on your diet. You love ice cream. You don’t want to eat the ice cream. You know that you shouldn’t eat the ice cream. But there it is in the freezer, sitting there so forlornly, speaking to you in such a sweet, sugar-filled voice, “One scoop won’t hurt.” You don’t want to, but you do. Then you get mad at yourself, guilt-ridden over being such a spineless, weak wimp.
The Bible says that when it comes to temptation, willpower is not enough. The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. We don’t need willpower alone; it doesn’t work, or works for a little while at best. We need Jesus-power. Jesus says when it comes to temptation, watch and pray. Prayer is what brings Jesus-power and strength into your life. Watching means to know when, where, how, why, and what makes you the most vulnerable. Pray and then avoid those places, people, and times when you are most likely to stumble. It is not willpower alone; it is Jesus power. Watch and pray.
– Dr. Tim Thompson