Other believers try to act as if they never have any problems. They think that if you admit you're having trouble, you're not in faith.
Well, there's something wrong with those ideas, because the Bible warns us that we will have tests and trials. First Peter 4:12 says, "Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you."
Then Psalm 91:15 says, "He [the believer] shall call upon me [God], and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him."
Many other scriptures also tell us to expect trials (Ps. 34:19; James 1:2). Yes, problems do exist, but we can overcome them! The secret is talking to God about our problems.
Some people take their troubles to a preacher, doctor, lawyer, or friend. They say, "I've just got to talk to someone." I wonder why they don't talk to God first. It's okay to talk to someone else about your problem, but no one can give you lasting help like God can!
The Bible says that Jesus is touched with the feeling of our infirmities (Heb. 4:15). I want you to notice that He was tempted like we are, yet He didn't sin.
Some believers, even though they haven't sinned, still feel guilty or condemned because they were tempted. One man said, "Well, if you were tempted, you might as well have done it." That doesn't make sense. You can't keep a bird from flying over your head. But you sure can keep him from landing on your head and building a nest!
Similarly, since the devil is the god of this world, you can't stop evil thoughts from coming to you. But you don't have to think or dwell on them. You can resist them! If you have trouble resisting, just tell God and He will help you.
When an evil thought or temptation comes to your mind, don't say, "Oh, I guess I really messed up. I've blown it now." You haven't blown it just because thoughts come to your mind or temptations come along. It's when you think on those evil thoughts and act on them that the problem starts.
You would be surprised to know how many people think that they're the only ones who have been tempted in a certain way. Some people tell me, "I'm probably just so different from everyone else." I say, "Really? First Corinthians 10:13 says, 'There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man....' So you see, you're not different!"
The devil wants you to think that no one understands or has ever been through what you're going through. If he can get you to start thinking in that vein, you won't talk to God. When you don't tell God what your problem is, He can't help you. But if you will pray and tell God all about your problems, He will give you direction, deliverance, and victory—just as He promised in the Word!
Excerpt permission granted by Faith Library Publications