Articles
When Weak, Watch and Pray
“Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit is wiling but the flesh is weak” (Matt. 26:41).
Alcoholics Anonymous has been a successful program for years. Their work with people addicted alcohol has helped so many lives. There are at least two things we can learn from them. One, they are ruthlessly honest about their weaknesses, the weaknesses that led to tragic consequences because of the temptation to drink. The might have denied the problem for years, or if confronted would excuse, “It is not a big deal.” But it is a big deal. Honesty about their weaknesses is the foundation to their conquering their addiction.
Isn’t it true that most of us don’t want to admit we are weak in any way? We put on a good face before others, pretending that we have “it” together. But that bravado makes us vulnerable to temptation in our sexual appetites, ethics, an obsession with material possessions, neglect of God, and many other challenges in life.
Jesus told His followers to avoid temptation by doing two things. First, we must be in touch with our hearts and behavior so that we spot temptation before it springs its trap. We don’t have to brilliant to be aware of those things. We all know when we are thinking more of those things, we’re more attracted to them and will forget about the consequences.
Second, Jesus reminds us to connect with God when we are weak. When we are weak we need His strength. In those difficult moments, we may think that prayer is the last thing we want to do, but Jesus puts it high on our list.
When we are weak, watch and pray.
