Overcoming Temptation: The Power of Prayer and Self-Reflection in Avoiding Sin

Temptation doesn’t show up like a monster under your bed. It walks in quietly—disguised as a shortcut, a little compromise, or a moment of escape. It whispers, “Just this once,” or “No one will know.” And before you realize it, you’ve wandered off the path you meant to stay on.

Every single one of us deals with this. Temptation is real, persistent, and incredibly personal. But here’s the good news: we’re not defenseless. Two of the most powerful tools we have in this spiritual fight are prayer and self-reflection—not rituals for the perfect, but lifelines for the struggling.

Why Temptation Is So Dangerous (And So Easy to Fall Into)

Temptation isn’t always about obvious sin. Sometimes, it’s just a distraction. You scroll your phone instead of praying. You bottle up anger instead of forgiving. You chase applause instead of purpose. Over time, those tiny moments pile up and chip away at your foundation.

In “God, Demons, and the Meaning of Life,” Richard Lansing tells how he flirted with the spiritual world through practices like ESP and automatic handwriting. What began as curiosity slowly morphed into chaos—paranormal activity, terrifying visions, and spiritual confusion that nearly tore his family apart.

The temptation to chase something “more,” something supernatural or exciting, nearly pulled him away from his faith entirely. But what saved him wasn’t some miracle. It was prayer. It was a quiet moment of reflection. It was the decision to stop, listen, and come back to the truth.

The Role of Prayer: Your Direct Line to Strength

Prayer isn’t a chore—it’s a conversation. It’s where you admit you’re tired, tempted, and sometimes feel like giving up. But it’s also where you remember you’re not alone.

Lansing discovered this firsthand. After the spiritual chaos he and his family experienced, it was through prayer that peace returned to his home. He didn’t just recite words—he got honest with God. He asked for strength, confessed his failures, and found clarity in moments of silence.

That’s the thing about prayer: it clears the fog. It doesn’t always remove the temptation, but it gives you the strength to say no. Even more, it reminds you who you are and what matters.

Simple ways to start:

• Talk to God like you would a friend.
• Be honest, even about your doubts and anger.
• Set aside just 5–10 minutes a day, consistently.

Self-Reflection: Shine a Light on the Lies

Temptation thrives in silence and secrecy. That’s why self-reflection is so powerful. When you pause to ask, “Why am I doing this?” or “Is this helping me grow?” you break the cycle.

Richard’s journey involved lots of these moments—after the lottery wins, the strange “gifts,” and even paranormal encounters. He had to ask himself: Is this from God, or am I being fooled? That question opened the door to truth.

Reflection helps you see where you’ve slipped and where you need help. It’s not about shame—it’s about clarity. You can’t fix what you don’t acknowledge.

How to reflect daily:

• Keep a journal. Write your wins, your temptations, and your prayers.
• Ask: “What tempted me today? Why?”
• End each day by reviewing your actions and thoughts.

Real Life Isn’t Perfect—and That’s the Point

One of the most engaging parts of Lansing’s story is how brutally honest he is. He didn’t have a clean, straight path to God. He battled insecurities from childhood, was ridiculed by his father, and fought internal demons—literally and spiritually.

His success came not from being flawless but from refusing to quit. He kept praying, kept reflecting, and kept fighting. Even when he was deep in the wrong, he turned back. And every time he did, God met him with grace.

That’s encouragement for all of us. You will be tempted. You will mess up. But you don’t have to stay there.

Final Thoughts: Build a Strong Defense

Temptation is part of life. But so is victory. If you want to resist what pulls you down, you’ve got to build up your inner world. That means:

• Pray daily. Let it become as natural as breathing.
• Reflect often. Don’t let small compromises slide.
• Stay connected. Talk to people who encourage your growth, not your downfall.
• Know God’s truth. Lies can’t stand when the truth is known.

Lansing’s life shows us that darkness can be loud, but it doesn’t win. The moment you pray and reflect, you step back into the light. You remember who you are—and, more importantly, who you are.

No temptation is stronger than the power of God working in a surrendered heart. So when the whispers come, don’t panic. Pray. Reflect. And keep walking forward.