In the Gospel we read how Jesus remained in the desert for forty days tempted by Satan.
Having been separated from God by our abortions, we are often, within the healing process, tempted, even if we have gone to the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Temptations to despair, temptation to old behaviors, temptations to unforgiveness towards other , ourselves, or even believing God has not forgiven us....the list can go on and on.
Temptations are not in themselves a sin. It is what we do with them that can become sinful. It is important to nip them in the beginning so they do not grow into actions. Jesus in His temptations, prayed to God and fasted. He used them as an occasion to join to His Father and grow stronger in His resolve. He knew satan was a lair and that God is love and Mercy.
The next time you are tempted to despair in your healing, feeling like you are going nowhere and wanting to give up, use the occasion instead, as an opportunity to proclaim your trust in God in spite of what you are feeling.
Pray, offer the temptation up for someone or something, and most importantly reach out for help by picking up the phone and speaking to someone who can guide and walk you through it...the devil wants to isolate us so he can fill our head with his lies... remember always, as Jesus did, God love loves you and is there with you even when you cannot feel Him.
Prayer of St Faustina (that saw me through many temptations)
Eternal God, in whom mercy is endless
and the treasury of compassion---inexhaustible,
look kindly upon us and increase Your mercy in us,
that in difficult moments we might not despair nor become despondent,
but with great confidence submit ourselves to Your holy will,
which is Love and Mercy itself. (950)
