Day 5: Temptation

Matthew 26:41 (NIV) Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing but the body is weak.

In this verse, Jesus instructs His disciples to stay alert and on guard through prayer. However we also learn here, and from our own experience with temptation, that even when our spirits are willing, our bodies are weak. Our physical desires and weakness in resisting them often hold us back from spiritual victories over temptation.

This is where fasting adds a practical dimension to prayer in our struggle against temptation. The physical act of resisting food can help us connect with the spiritual act of resisting sin. As we focus on the Lord instead of feeding our stomach, we learn that He is our strength and the source of real satisfaction. We experience the reality that feasting on His Word is so much better than catering to our fleshly appetites.

In what ways are we most tempted to sin right now? Let’s ask God to help us connect our fasting from food with the act of resisting these temptations. Foregoing that hamburger might be just the thing that strengthens our spiritual resistance and enables us to emerge victorious in our battle with sin.

Prayer: Father, we want to be strong against temptation but confess that we are often weak. Use this time of fasting to strengthen our resistance and resolve to never give in to sin. Train our bodies, minds and hearts to feast on You and starve the appetites of our sinful nature. In Jesus’ name. Amen.