“Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
–Matthew 26:41
I remember when I was about 9 years old, my family moved from Arkansas to Fort Worth, Texas. One thing I quickly noticed that was different about my new school in Texas was that many of the other boys were always getting in fights.
I tried to lay low, but being the new guy put a big target on me for the next fight. So, I figured out something that went against everything my parents told me. Right before a fight, you’d always stand toe-to-toe and see who was going to hit first. And well, if you wanted to win, you’d better hit first!
Now, that’s not something I ever told my kids growing up. But it’s true!
Spiritually speaking, the same is true. If we want to gain the upper hand in the battle against sin in our lives, we need to make the first move. That means the first time you become aware of an evil desire in your heart, you strike hard in the power of prayer!
How many downfalls would be prevented if people would simply hit first? The moment they felt the urge to lie, cheat, slander, or some other ungodly desire, they prayed in Jesus name for the power to resist that temptation. So when it comes to sin, hit first in prayer and you’ll gain the upper hand against the enemy!
GAIN THE UPPER HAND IN THE BATTLE AGAINST SIN BY STRIKING FIRST IN THE POWER OF PRAYER.
