My childhood seems as if it was very much in what my daughter used to call ‘the olden days’, the days when my grandmother had a separate walk-in larder outside. I can still visualise where everything sat on the shelves or in containers on the floor, and can easily recall the various
smells.
Something in there that had a great temptation for my sister and me, and was the coconut. In those days it seemed to get compressed, because there were ‘lumps’ in it that we loved to eat. If Nanna was baking with coconut
we would hang around like vultures, hoping to be given a lump or two.
How vividly my sister and I recall the night all was clear to do a raid on the coconut. Because of the pressure of possible discovery, we stuffed ourselves very hard and fast. I’m sure we left plenty of evidence behind, but we thought we were very smart to get away with it. Alas, like all good things it seems, we had too much. It?s funny how after that, we weren’t in the slightest bit interested in having any more coconut lumps!
What a perfect pattern I have given for giving in to temptation!
First off we thought about it lots, and longed for it. Next we planned on how to get it, and then did the dirty deed. Of course finally, we had to take the consequences!
How can we beat temptation?
Here are a few thoughts on the matter.
A sure solution for me was to keep out of the pantry, but obviously that was a place which had to be entered often. Another answer was to keep my eyes off the coconut when I went in, and fix my eyes on what I’d gone in
for, repeating that name to myself if necessary. Finally, I learned I shouldn’t linger.
The bible tells us that, ‘When you are tempted , He will also provide a way
out so that you can stand up under it.’ (1 Cor. 10:13)
Once, when I was having trouble with eating the peas I was being paid to pick, I ate some chocolate beforehand. Much to my surprise, it took away my desire to eat peas in that situation.
If we are in a place where we know we are going to be tempted, we need to pray or repeat Scripture to ourselves. Bring God into the equation. Be very aware of His presence and take on His strength.
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Want to be an overcomer!
‘Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face, and the things
of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace.’
Send email to Cynthia Rowsemore.
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