Growing Up Duggar by Jill Duggar

Author:Jill Duggar
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Howard Books

When our older brother John-David completed training to become a volunteer with our local fire department, Jill, shown here, and Jana decided to volunteer, too.

One of the things Jana and I (Jill) learned during our firefighter training is that the quicker you respond to a dangerous fire, the less likely it is to cause serious damage. The same thing happens when we quickly respond to a “fire” sparked by a sinful thought that pops into our heads. Dad gave us a great idea for a quick response when tempted: he suggested we immediately use that as reminder to pray for someone else who needs God’s help. We talked about this idea of having a “prayer target” in chapter 2. In this way, what Satan means for evil, we use as a reminder to do good. We like to think of it as a live hand grenade coming our direction, and before it explodes we quickly pick it up and throw it right back at the devil.

Satan has been recycling the same basic temptations for the past six thousand years, but since he is the master deceiver, he tries to deceive us into thinking we’re the only ones who struggle with the wrong thoughts or desires he sends our way. In reality, the temptation to lie, steal, cheat, bully, gossip, and think wrong thoughts has been around since the first couple, Adam and Eve, gave in to temptation in the Garden of Eden. The problem of temptation and sin has continued to the present day, which means your parents probably faced many of the same problems you’re facing now, right down to the problem of feeling all alone and thinking your parents don’t understand.

They understand a lot more than you may think they do. They understand that this time in life can be very intense—because they undoubtedly went through similar struggles when they were your age. They know about the many physical and social changes you’re experiencing, including the wrong thoughts and other temptations Satan will put into your head.

Another bit of good news is that, as Christians, we’re assured that God will not allow into our lives more temptation than we can bear. First Corinthians 10:13 says, “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”

Even though sometimes it seems a temptation is just too strong for us, we can overcome it if we receive the grace God offers. Because “with men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26). God will provide a way to escape temptations, and one way He does that is by providing parents or other trusted adults who understand what we’re going through and can provide insights, encouragement, and guidance.

This is key when we’re struggling in any area of life because Satan’s power to keep us making the same mistakes is based in the secrecy of our sin.

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