Living On Purpose In Christ | Journaling Prompts, Biblical Encouragement, Aromatherapy, Devotions, Affirmations, God's Peace

84 | Family-Focused Faith: How to Conquer Temptation in Every Season of Life

• Paula Behrens | Christian Coach, Pastor, Certified Aroma Freedom Practitioner • Season 2

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Temptation sneaks in at our most vulnerable moments—when we're tired, lonely, or pursuing spiritual growth. That pull toward compromise feels universal because it is. Every person faces it, including Jesus himself.

This episode unpacks what happens in our hearts when temptation arrives and offers practical, biblically-grounded strategies for every family member. By examining Jesus' wilderness experience in Matthew 4, we discover how Scripture becomes our strongest defense against the enemy's schemes. Rather than relying on willpower alone, we learn to treasure God's Word in our hearts as Psalm 119:11 describes.

The journey from temptation to sin follows a predictable pattern, like a snowball growing as it rolls downhill. James 1:14-15 reveals this progression, but also shows us intervention points where we can stop temptation before it takes root. Prayer prepares us for these battles before they begin. Community support provides accountability when we falter. And sometimes, wisdom means physically fleeing from situations that threaten our spiritual integrity, just as Joseph did when confronted by Potiphar's wife.

Throughout the episode, I share personal struggles from my seminary days and ministry experience, revealing how even spiritual leaders can face the disconnect between religious routine and genuine connection with God. These authentic moments highlight the grace-filled journey of developing spiritual disciplines that aren't about performance but presence with our Creator.

Ready to transform your spiritual life from dutiful obligation into joyful communion? Discover how essential oils can anchor your devotional practice, how Scripture memorization builds internal defenses, and how the fruit of the Spirit—especially self-control—becomes your supernatural response to temptation's pull. This isn't about perfection but progress in the power of Christ.

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Paula Behrens:

Have you ever felt like temptation sneaks in just when you're trying to get closer to God? One small compromise, one weary moment, and suddenly you're questioning your strength and your faith. But here's the truth. You're not alone and you're not without help. In today's show, we'll be diving into how to recognize the enemy's subtle schemes, how to anchor yourself in God's Word and how to build a Christ-centered rhythm that helps you stand firm every single day, because the goal isn't perfection, it's realizing progress in the power of Christ. But first funny story.

Paula Behrens:

When I first began my seminary work while serving two church congregations full-time, everyone assumed I had my daily devotional time perfectly organized. But truth be told, there were mornings I could barely find five minutes to catch my breath, let alone dive into deep reflection. One day, as I rushed out the door with mismatched shoes, I realized that even in my chaos there was a lesson. Embracing God's grace and self-forgiveness, I realized that true success in my devotional life requires prioritizing my spiritual practices.

Paula Behrens:

Are you finding it challenging to maintain your spiritual practices or yearning for a more peaceful, God-aligned day? I'm Paula and I've been there too. Balancing spiritual habits with a busy life can be difficult. I long for a deeper connection with God but struggle with consistency, then I found the perfect approach. If you seek simple ways to deepen your connection with God, this podcast is for you.

Paula Behrens:

Friend, have you ever sat down with your Bible, a cup of tea and high hopes for a quiet moment with the Lord, only to find your mind racing with to-do lists, your spirit distracted or your heart dry? I remember a season when my spiritual life felt more like a checklist than a connection. I had a book of prayers, a seminary degree and even my favorite kneeling rail in my office, but truthfully, I was just going through the motions at that time. I was hungry for more, more peace, more presence, more of God. I was showing up with all the right tools, but none of the soul-satisfying stillness I craved. My time with God became something I did not something I delighted in. I craved intimacy with God, but I didn't know how to break out of that cycle of routine spirituality. Then the Lord gently reminded me, he never asked me for polished prayers or perfect discipline. He just wanted my presence and from that moment on I began creating a space to simply be with him. I built a new rhythm, one that was deeply rooted in grace, filled with scripture and supported by the soothing presence of his creation, including essential oils, that helped me slow down and breathe in deeply. That sacred rhythm is what I now share in the Aroma of Christ Coaching Hour.

Paula Behrens:

This one-on-one session is for the person who's ready to stop striving and start resting in God again. Whether you're spiritually weary, stuck in a routine or longing for a fresh encounter with the Holy Spirit, this hour is your invitation to begin again with grace. I'll walk alongside you to create a personalized devotional routine that works with your real life, not against it. Together, we'll craft a practice that helps you feel grounded, nourished and deeply connected to God mind, body and spirit. You don't have to keep trying to figure it out all on your own. There's a simple way to grow in faith and draw near to God, and I'd be honored to help you find it. Let's breathe in his peace. Let's rediscover his presence. Let's begin again together.

Paula Behrens:

Book your Aroma of Christ coaching hour at paulabehrens. com/ coaching, that's Paula Behrens B-E-H-R-E-N-S . com/ coaching (no spaces). All right, it's time to get started. Grab your Bible, dust off your journal and cozy up to your favorite beverage and let's dive in. Hey there, friend, welcome back to another episode of Living on Purpose in Christ, the podcast where we grow together in God's Truth, one biblical step at a time. Whether you're driving to soccer, practice, folding laundry or sitting together as a family around the table, thank you for inviting us into your day.

Paula Behrens:

Let me ask you something important. Have you ever faced a choice between right and wrong and felt the tug of temptation on your heart? Of course you have. We all have, it's part of life. And believe it or not, it's also something Jesus experienced. In today's episode, we're diving into what it means to overcome temptation God's way, with practical tools for every member of your family, from the youngest listener to mom, dad, grandma, tweens and even teens. We're using a devotional companion guide called Overcoming Temptation, which is part of our Faith Building Club monthly membership. Inside the club you'll find helpful resources like this one to grow your family's faith together. In fact, we have a seven-day free trial going on at this time. More about that later. So go ahead, breathe in that calming frankincense or lavender essential oil, settle into that cozy spot and get ready, because this isn't just an episode, it's a journey.

Paula Behrens:

Let's start with a simple truth. Temptation is something every person faces and it isn't a sin to be tempted. The real question is what you do when temptation creeps in. For our younger listeners, temptation might look like sneaking an extra cookie when mom says no or blaming the dog for a broken toy. For tweens, maybe it's the pressure to fit in. Or for teens, maybe staying silent about your faith is your temptation. For adults, it may be dishonesty, frustration or even a temptation to become bitter.

Paula Behrens:

James, chapter 1, verses 14 through 15 gives us a clear picture, it says: But one is tempted by one's own desire, being lured and enticed by it. Then, when this desire is conceived, it gives birth to sin and that sin, when it is fully grown, gives birth to death. Whoa, that is serious stuff.

Paula Behrens:

Let's break it down for everyone listening. Temptation starts in our hearts. It's not the cookie or the mean friend or the phone screen that causes us to stumble. It's our own desire and it grows if we don't stop it. Temptation is like a snowball rolling down a hill it starts small but it picks up speed and turns into sin and eventually consequences will follow. But the good news is this we have a way to stop it before it grows. Imagine your heart like a garden. If temptation, like a weed, starts to grow, you can pull it out before it chokes out the flowers. With God's help, we can do just that. Now here's what's amazing, Jesus himself was tempted. He gets it. In Matthew, chapter 4, verses 1 through 11 right after he was baptized, he went into the wilderness. He was hungry, alone, tired. And guess who shows up? That's right, Satan. Satan tries three things. First, he tries to appeal to Jesus' hunger, tempting him saying, turn these stones into bread. Then he tries to get Jesus to test God's protection saying, throw yourself down from the temple and see if God will protect you. Finally, Satan offers Jesus power saying, worship me and I'll give you everything you see. Each time Jesus resisted by quoting the Bible, God's word saying, it is written. Hebrews, chapter 4, verse 15 reminds us, we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who was tempted in every way, just as we are. Yet he was without sin.

Paula Behrens:

Right now, if you are willing, I want you to pause and ask yourself: What's one temptation I've faced recently. Jesus said to his disciples watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak, which tells us two things. First, that we need to stay alert so we can recognize temptation when it presents itself. And second, we should pray, asking God for strength before we actually need it. Scripture also tells us to bring everything to God with prayer and he will give us peace. So let's get practical. As you pray, diffuse or apply a drop of lavender or frankincense to your wrist. These oils are known to calm the mind and help you focus. Let them be sensory reminders that God's peace is present.

Paula Behrens:

In Psalm, chapter 119, verse 11 we hear: I treasure your word in my heart so that I may not sin against you. This means we're not just reading the Bible, we're hiding God's word deep inside. So when temptation shows up, we are ready. Just like when Jesus said it is written, we can also speak truth over the lies of temptation. So it's like this. Temptation says: It's okay to lie, no one will know. But God's word says: The Lord detests lying lips (Proverbs 12: 22). Temptation says: Be mean. They deserve it. God's word says: Be kind and compassionate to one another ( Ephesians 4: 32). Ecclesiastes 4, 9 through 10 tells us: Two are better than one, for if they fall, one will lift the other. You see, God never intended for us to face temptation alone. That's why we have church, that's why we have faith community groups, Christian friends and our own family. Having someone to be honest about your struggles with opens the door for that someone to help you back up again. When you fall off your bike. What do you need? You need someone to pick you up, dust you off and say, you've got this.

Paula Behrens:

Ephesians, Corinthians 6: 18 says: Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually sins against their own body. Fleeing from temptation means running away from anything that can harm our hearts, our bodies and our faith. And one of the most powerful stories about fleeing is in Genesis, chapter 39, where Joseph runs from Potiphar's wife. Sometimes the best response to temptation is not to fight, it's to flee. Now fleeing might look like, turning off the TV show that's not God honoring, walking away from gossip at lunch, saying no to peer pressure, exiting a chat room that makes you feel uneasy. It's okay to walk away. In fact it's wise.

Paula Behrens:

In Galatians 5, 22 through 23, we hear: But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Did you catch that last one? Self-control, that's your secret weapon. The Holy Spirit doesn't just help us say no to temptation. The Holy Spirit within us helps us want better things. When temptation comes, the fruit of the Spirit is already there to help us respond with love, patience and especially, self-control. Let's wrap up by saying this clearly and confidently. With God, we can overcome temptation.

Paula Behrens:

Here's a quick recap. These are the action steps. One: Pray and depend on God. Talk to him all day long. Two: Know scripture. Let the Bible be your sword. Three: Learn from your community. You are not alone. Four: Flee from temptation. Run like Joseph. Five: Grow the fruit of the Spirit, especially self-control. Let's guide our children and grandchildren and also remind ourselves that in this world we will face challenges and temptations, but Jesus has already triumphed over the world. And remember we are never alone in our struggles. So the next time you're tempted to lie, yell, give up or do something you know is not God's best for you, stop and pray, remember God's word and reach out to your support team. Victory is not only possible, it is promised.

Paula Behrens:

Friend, if today's message stirred something in you, if you're ready to finally take temptation seriously, to walk in freedom and grow stronger in Christ day by day, then I want to personally invite you to something special. I'm opening up a few limited spots for the Aroma of Christ Coaching Hour, normally valued at $97, but available this month for just $47. And here's the blessing when you say yes to this coaching hour, you'll also receive a bonus session called the Peace Reset, a $97 value in and of itself, plus a seven-day free trial into the Faith Building Club, my monthly membership that helps Christian women build their devotional life, with guided scripture studies, essential oil anchors and practical encouragement rooted in Christ. That's a total value of $194, now just $47, designed to give you real support without distraction or pressure. This is more than a coaching session. It's a sacred hour where I sit with you, pray with you and walk with you as you begin building or restoring your devotional rhythm with God. You can sign up now at paulabehrens. com/ coaching. That's Paula Behrens B-E-H-R-E-N-S . com/ coaching (no spaces).

Paula Behrens:

Take the next step toward living on purpose in Christ, victorious, anchored and led by the Spirit. Okay, let's end with a prayer. Lord, we know that temptation is real, but so is your power. Help us to be strong in you, help us to say yes to your ways and no to sin. Grow your fruit within us, Love, joy, peace and self-control, and make our homes places of victory. In Jesus' name, we ask these things. Amen. Okay, friend, remember you are not alone. God's word is your strength and God's Spirit is your guide. Thank you for tuning in today and remember, just like setting biblical boundaries, it's okay to say no to things that don't serve you well, like that third piece of cake at the church potluck. If you've enjoyed this episode, we would truly appreciate it if you would take just a few moments to leave a review. Join us next week as we continue to discover how to live on purpose in Christ. Until then, keep leaning into Him and walking in His wisdom. See you next time.