The key to overcoming the same old sins

But each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.— James 1:14-15

In November of 1975, 75 convicted felons began digging a secret tunnel underneath a prison wall in Saltillo, Mexico. This tunnel was designed to bring them up on the other side so they could escape and live as free men. Months passed, and eventually, it became time for them to start digging up.

On April 18, 1976, the men reached the surface. Unbeknownst to them, however, they had tunneled directly into a nearby courtroom in which many of them had been sentenced. The surprised judge returned all 75 men to jail.

It happens often, doesn’t it? Just when we think we’ve reached a goal or see the light at the end of the tunnel, the problems on the other side are much more daunting. It’s true in many aspects of life, and often in the struggle of obedience to God. Just when we think we’ve won, the enemy comes at us stronger than ever!

The answer to this dilemma is to ensure you’re digging up in the right place! It’s one thing to overcome sin, but what are you doing to make sure you’ve not putting yourself in a compromising position again? So fight against sin, and make sure you emerge from battle in a better position to avoid future temptations.

Prayer Challenge

Ask God to give you wisdom to avoid habitual sin rather than falling in it again.

Questions for thought

Why do you think the enemy is so persistent in tempting you to commit sins you’ve struggled with in the past?

Think of a sin you struggle with today. What might it look like to put yourself in a safer place where you’d be less likely to fall into that same sin again?