Blocking Temptation

Musings from the Garden

By Peggy Wyar

 As I was watching my granddaughter’s volleyball game over the weekend, I had the experience of God’s Holy Spirit telling me to pay attention.  He had something to show me.

While taking in the sights and sounds around me while watching the action on the court I noticed one young lady whose role was to block at the net.  She put in much effort to stop the opponent’s ball from getting to her team’s side.  She rarely succeeded but she determinedly held her stance and was poised for action.

That’s when I sensed God speaking to me.  He pointed out a need to “block” temptation for me, and for my brothers and sisters (by praying for them).  He was instructing my heart to take the blocking stance -

• Stand strong and firm (in faith)

• Raise my arms (in praise)

• Be undeterred by distractions (fully focused on God-given task)

• Reach and jump higher (expecting God’s help)

I saw how not every block was successful or even helpful.  Sometimes, after her attempt, the ball went wildly out of bounds, or fell too close to her side of the net to be kept in play. I sensed that that was also what I needed to take to heart.

Our efforts to block temptation do not always result in our not sinning.  We may still stumble, miss the mark, disappoint our God and ourselves, but we are instructed to get back up again. We can take our stance, do what we know to do and be ready to deflect the next temptation the enemy serves our way. Every attempt at blocking creates “muscle memory” in us so that we are better prepared for future skirmishes.

The outcome of our efforts has never depended on us. Only God is sovereign and only he determines the results. But when the block is successful, it’s cause to celebrate.  We can rejoice in what God has enabled us to do.