Philippians 4:11-12

Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.

 Philippians 4:11-12

As a pastor, I have people come up to me and ask about how to overcome this or that temptation. After speaking with so many people, one conclusion I’ve come to is that every temptation is an invitation to fulfill a God-given desire in a God-forbidden way. Let me explain.

Take food, for example. There’s nothing wrong with eating food. In fact, hunger is a God-given desire for life and sustenance. But the temptation can be to fulfill that desire through gluttony.

This can also be applied to less tangible desires, like the desire to be loved and accepted. A God-honoring way to fulfill that desire would be to find love and acceptance in Him. But sadly, many people try to find love and acceptance solely in the things of the world and become enamored with searching for something they’ll never find.

Desires are normal; God created you with desires. Search God’s Word and discover what glorifies Him. And ask God for His leading in showing you how you can find your ultimate need and satisfaction in Him alone!

Pastor William Del Casale