Don’t Take the Bait

“No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.”

1 Corinthians 10:13

DEVO

Temptation is never random. It’s a targeted attack, a baited hook designed to pull you back into the very chains Christ broke off your life. The enemy studies your weaknesses... your wounds, your longings, your lonely moments... and that’s where he strikes. But temptation isn’t just about what you want in the moment; it’s about where it leads. It might come dressed as comfort, desire, or even justice, but, at its core, it’s a spiritual trap set to destroy you.

It always starts with what appears to be a harmless whisper: “Just this once… No one will know… You deserve this… It’s not a big deal…” But those lies are how bondage begins. Sin never delivers what it promises. What looks like relief ends in regret. What feels like control turns into a stronghold. What feels good for a moment can wreck everything God is rebuilding in your life.

But here’s the good news—you are never alone in the fight. According to 1 Corinthians 10:13, which boldly and clearly says, "No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape." God promises that temptation will never be too strong for you to overcome in Jesus' power. There is always a way of escape. Sometimes the way out is physical—walking out of the room, deleting a contact, or turning off your phone. Sometimes it’s emotional or spiritual—crying out in prayer, reaching out to a trusted friend, or meditating on truth until the desire passes. God is always faithful to give you an exit—but you must choose to take it.

You don’t have to fall. You don’t have to relapse. You don’t have to entertain what you’ve been set free from. Temptation will always knock, but you don’t have to answer the door. Jesus understands temptation—He faced it too—and He overcame. And because He lives in you, you can overcome too.

Take some time to reflect honestly: What temptations tend to trip you up again and again? When are you most vulnerable—late at night, when you're angry, when you're alone? What people, places, or habits trigger the urge to fall back? Are you justifying things you know are slowly destroying you? Most importantly, what is your “way of escape”? Do you have a plan? Accountability? Scripture ready to speak back to the lie? You can’t fight temptation passively. Victory takes preparation, intentionality, and dependence on the Holy Spirit.

Let God’s Word speak louder than your temptations. Meditate on verses like 1 Corinthians 10:13, James 1:14–15 (which explains how temptation gives birth to sin and ultimately death), and Galatians 5:16, which reminds us that walking in the Spirit prevents us from giving in to the flesh. Romans 6:12 commands us not to let sin reign. That means we have a choice—and God has given us power to choose life. Look up those verses and write them down so that you can keep them with you.

GOAL FOR TODAY

Identify one area of temptation that’s been pulling at you lately. Call it out. Don’t sugarcoat it. Write it down and ask God for your specific “way of escape.” Maybe that means deleting something, calling someone, or removing yourself from an environment. Whatever it is—act on it today. Don’t wait for the moment of weakness to plan your defense. Take authority now so you’re ready later.

INTROSPECTION & JOURNALING:

1. What specific temptations do I face most often in my recovery journey?

2. When am I emotionally, physically, or spiritually most vulnerable to giving in?

3. What patterns, people, or environments tend to trigger my temptation?

4. What lie do I believe when I’m tempted that makes sin seem worth it?

5. Have I been justifying any behaviors or choices that are actually harmful?

6. What is my “way of escape” when temptation comes—and am I willing to take it?

7. Who can I call or message when I feel weak and need help staying accountable?

8. How can I stay filled with God’s Word and Spirit to stay strong in moments of weakness?

PRAYER:

Abba Father, I know temptation is real, and sometimes it feels stronger than I am. But You are stronger than any temptation, any lie, and any trap. You are my strength and my escape. Help me to see the bait for what it really is. Give me courage to walk away when temptation knocks, and wisdom to stay alert. I repent for the times I’ve chosen sin instead of running to You. I don’t want to go backward—I want to walk in freedom. Empower me by Your Spirit to overcome. In Jesus’ name, amen.