Day 4 - The Sugar Challenge Lesson

Temptation

At some point, you’ll undoubtedly confront the urge to fall back into your old ways of eating. It's important to be patient and kind to yourself while working on your goal. Breaking an addiction doesn’t happen overnight. There will be setbacks and moments of weakness, but each day is a new opportunity to start fresh. Celebrate your progress, no matter how small, and don’t be too hard on yourself when things don’t go as planned. Overcoming sugar addiction is a journey, and every step forward is a victory.

God encourages us to have self-control and assures He is always with us, offering strength to resist and a way out of our temptations. Verses like 1 Corinthians 10:13, "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it," can be particularly encouraging. It is our responsibility as Jesus' followers to turn to Him for help. We need to be aware because if our self-control wavers, not only will we give in to the temptations, but Satan will use our vulnerabilities to lead us away from Jesus. The good news is, we can embrace our faith in Jesus to help us make the right choices.

 According to Stephen Covey, “We develop our character muscles by overcoming challenges and adversity.” This quote acknowledges that we will all have temptations and challenges in our lives, but that we will benefit by overcoming them. Jesus Himself tells us that in John 16:33, “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth, you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart because I have overcome the world.”

 As I have stressed, you will face temptations and obstacles. It’s part of life. But here are three things you can do to help you with healthier choices, especially when it comes to sugar:

1. Ask the Holy Spirit for guidance and advice. The Holy Spirit lives within us, and we always have unlimited access.
2. Avoid tempting situations-don’t drive past that donut shop; take the scenic route!
3. Remember, your friends and family (the Body of Christ) are there to support you - ask for their help, prayers, and support.

Prayer

Lord, you overcame Satan's temptations. Please give me the wisdom to walk away when I am tempted and the clarity to see the way out that you will provide. Thank you, Lord, that you are a faithful deliverer and that I can count on your help in my time of need. Amen.

Challenge

Another wise comment was made by Maya Angelou - “I have great respect for the past. If you don’t know where you’ve come from, you don’t know where you’re going.” This is a reminder that we all can learn from the past-what worked, and what didn’t work, and use that to move forward more successfully.

Today, think about the obstacles you have faced in the past. Write down your three biggest temptations or roadblocks that keep you from making healthy choices, specifically regarding sugar consumption. Now, think of all the things you can do to avoid them or overcome them, and write them down. And don’t forget to pray about them!

1 JOHN 3:8-9

The one who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work. No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in them; they cannot go on sinning, because they have been born of God.

PHILIPPIANS 4:13

I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

EPHESIANS 6:17-18

Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.