Ellen White emphasizes that overcoming temptation is possible through divine help and personal effort. She states, "you must resist temptation. Although you may have been overcome, although moral debasement may have marked your course, it need not always be thus. Jesus is your helper. In his strength you can overcome the beguiling power of appetite. Summon will-power to your aid" (CTBH 147.2). Key principles for overcoming temptation include: * **Reliance on Christ**: Do not be discouraged by a hard heart; "Every obstacle, every internal foe, only increases your need of Christ. He came to take away the heart of stone, and give you a heart of flesh. Look to Him for special grace to overcome your peculiar faults" (SL 90). * **Active Resistance**: When tempted, "steadfastly resist the evil promptings; say to your soul, 'How can I dishonor my Redeemer? I have given myself to Christ; I cannot do the works of Satan.' Cry to the dear Saviour for help to sacrifice every idol and to put away every darling sin" (SL 90). * **Faith and Prayer**: "By faith and prayer all may meet the requirements of the gospel. No man can be forced to transgress. His own consent must be first gained... Temptation, however strong, is never an excuse for sin" (5T 177.2). Prayer is a "necessity" due to daily temptations (MH 509.4). * **Trust in God's Promise**: God promises a "way of escape" with every temptation. Many are overcome because "They do not put their trust in God. They do not avail themselves of the means provided for their safety" (CTBH 22.2). * **Resisting the Devil**: "Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you" (James 4:7, 8, quoted in SJ 48.5). * **Self-Knowledge and Prudence**: "He who understands well his own character, who is acquainted with the sin that most easily besets him and the temptations that will be most likely to overcome him, should not expose himself needlessly, and invite temptation by placing himself upon the enemy's ground" (GW92 371). It is also important to be "guarded in your words and in your deportment, lest you invite the enemy to tempt you" (3T 378.1). * **Earnest Effort**: "We must put forth earnest effort to overcome the evil tendencies of the natural heart. Our efforts, our self-denial and perseverance, must be proportionate to the infinite value of the object of which we are in pursuit. Only by overcoming as Christ overcame shall we win the crown of life" (MH 455.2). Overcoming trials and temptations strengthens faith and prepares one for future challenges (2SG 290.1).