War where it begins

We often think the struggle against temptation comes from the things or circumstances around us, but it actually starts in our thought patterns. I want to put this in the clearest way possible: if temptation begins in our thoughts, we must first address our thoughts.

Here’s what I mean—when you’re tempted, it usually starts with a thought, right? You can even visualize it in your mind, and you might be tempted by how satisfying it would feel to give in. But changing your thoughts isn’t as simple as thinking about something else. We’ve all been there, trying to distract ourselves, only to have that same thought creep back moments later.

“2 powerful ways to fight temptation at its source is examining your thoughts and admitting your temptations out loud”

Examination

When you face temptation, remember that it begins in the mind—so “war there.” Take each thought and examine it closely. Ask yourself why you’re dwelling on it, and if it doesn’t align with God’s Word or His plans for you, take control of it immediately to prevent further harm.

This is a critical step that many overlook—examining their thought patterns. It’s easy to skip this in heightened emotional states, but failing to do so can be risky. The enemy is constantly seeking to plant seeds of discord between you and the Lord, and that begins in the mind, just as it did in the garden. It wasn’t the physical temptation that came first for Eve, but a word that was followed by a thought-leading her to question what God really said.

Tips to examining your thoughts

• Write Down Every Thought: Take a piece of paper and jot down each thought you’re experiencing.
• Bring Your List to God: Present each thought to the Lord, speaking them out loud, and ask Yeshua to reveal the source behind each one.
• Identify the Emotions and Truth: Reflect on the emotions each thought stirs up. Check if it aligns with God’s Word—lies will never match His truth or plans for you.
• Stay Present with Yeshua: Continue this process until every thought is written down, spoken, and revealed in His presence.

Admitting your temptation

Sometimes it seems hard to express what we are being tempted by because let’s face it; not everything we think about would bring glory to God and would dishonor our reputation as a child of God. But confessing out loud the temptation you are dealing with to God is so important in your ability to resist the temptation when we confess our sins (or for some would become a sin).

The way I like to think of it is by taking a thought (seed of temptation) from the battle arena and moving it into God’s territory… His throne room! So taking your thoughts from the battle you are facing and giving it to the God of all creation will allow you to have a completely different stance in the battle, a stance of VICTORY!

Tips to confronting your temptation out loud

• Be Honest About Your Struggle: Openly share with God why you’re struggling and what you’re feeling.
• Explain Your Difficulties: Tell Him why it’s hard for you to resist—He wants to hear your heart.
• Express Your Desires: Confess why you feel drawn to the temptation. God already knows, but your honesty brings you closer to Him.
• Allow Him to Renew Your Mind: By openly sharing your desires, you invite God’s power to transform your mind and strengthen you.

While these tips can help renew your mind, there’s truly nothing more powerful than immersing yourself in God’s Word. I encourage you to dive into Scripture, and if you’re new to it, try searching for verses specifically focused on renewing your mind in times of temptation. Connect with your local church community, and pray for the Holy Spirit to place someone in your life who can support, encourage, and strengthen you in these battles, so you can walk victoriously in Christ.

 No temptation [regardless of its source] has overtaken or enticed you that is not common to human experience [nor is any temptation unusual or beyond human resistance]; but God is faithful [to His word—He is compassionate and trustworthy], and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability [to resist], but along with the temptation He [has in the past and is now and] will [always] provide the way out as well, so that you will be able to endure it [without yielding, and will overcome temptation with joy].  1 Corinthians 10:13 AMP