Answers
By Billy Graham • September 19, 2017 • Topics: Temptation
Q:
When I asked Jesus to come into my life a few months ago, I thought I was supposed to stop being tempted. But I have stronger temptations now than I used to have. What's wrong with me?
A:
Nothing is wrong with you; just because you have given your life to Jesus doesn’t mean you’ll never be tempted to do wrong—because you will.
In fact, we may face even stronger temptations once we give our lives to Christ —because Satan will do everything he can to discourage us and cause us to doubt our salvation. Remember: Satan’s chief goal is to attack God in every way he possibly can—and one way he does that is by tempting believers to sin or become discouraged. He never gives up the fight! If he tried to tempt Jesus, you can be sure he’ll try to tempt you. But never forget: Satan is a defeated foe, and if we belong to Christ, we are on the winning side.
Don’t give in to the devil’s schemes, and don’t believe his lies. Instead, put your confidence in God and in the promises of His Word, the Bible. Thank God that you now belong to Jesus Christ, and you are safely in His hands forever. God’s promise is for you: Nothing “in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:39).
Then make it your goal to strengthen your faith every day as you pray, and study God’s Word, and learn from the preaching and teaching of your church. The Bible says, “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith” (Colossians 2:6-7).
