We’ve all been there with our greatest areas of temptation. We know God doesn’t want us to be selfish, rude, impatient, anxious, greedy and lustful. We don’t question the morality. We question why we keep losing the fight. We feel shame afterwards. We feel stuck like an old truck that keeps spinning its wheels in the deep, filthy mud. Will we ever be free?

Here’s some good news for you, if you feel this way today. First, God’s mercies are new every single morning. Start by embracing His mercy today as you confess your heart to God. Tell him where you keep falling short. Then, thank him for His boundless love that has already covered your sins through the blood of Jesus shed on the cross. There is no condemnation or wrath from God (Romans 8:1). He looks at you with tender love and says “Go, and sin no more.”

Now, as you start out again–freed by His loving mercy–consider these five ways we can have victory the next time temptation comes knocking:

Memorize a Scripture that counters your temptation. When Jesus was in the wilderness being tempted by Satan, he used this powerful method. He would combat the devil with the truth of the Scriptures. Three times the devil lied to Jesus and three times Jesus responded with “It is written.” If it’s pride, then memorize Philippians 2:3. If it’s greed, then memorize Proverbs 11:25. If you struggle with anger, then James 1:19. If lust, then 1 John 2:16. Find your Scripture, and say it out loud when facing temptation.

Ask for God’s deliverance. We don’t have to fight the battle on our own. We can call on the Almighty to deliver us from our enemies and temptations and He promises to fight for us (Exodus 14:14). God is more than willing to help us. Even more, the same power that raised Christ is available to all believers. God has provided everything you need to be free. He’s not holding back on you. You’re not without support. As John 8:36 says it, “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” Don’t believe the lie that you are trapped, when you are already free. Walk in freedom by faith and reliant prayer.

Focus on doing the right thing. The devil wants you to ruminate on the evil thing. But, don’t linger on the evil thoughts. Flee them! Like Joseph ran away from Potiphar’s wife when she tempted him to sleep with her. Turn your attention to what is true and lovely (Philippians 4:8). Flip the script! Instead of trying to not do something evil, start doing something good. Instead of trying to stop lusting, start working on being faithful and cherishing what you have been given.

Count the cost of the sin. Don’t think that giving in to temptation is free of charge. There are always consequences that the devil hides in the fine print of the billing. You may enjoy a fleeting thrill, but behind that thrill is pain and sorrow. Play out all the consequences like a movie in your mind. How will this hurt your relationship with God? How will this hurt others? How will this hurt you? How will this make you feel down the road? Slow down and count the cost. You’ll find yourself less interested in paying the bill.

Link up with a trusted friend. We intuitively know this will help, but our shame keeps us from taking this important step. Yet, realize that every single person struggles. You are not the only one. Every one struggles. Everyone has mud on their face. So, swallow your pride and go find a trusted friend to help you on your journey. Check in with them regularly. Text them on days when it gets hard and ask them to pray and talk. Commit to supporting one another without judgment. There is healing in confessing our sins to one another (James 5:16).

A closing prayer for you: May you find healing in the mercy of the Lord. May you know you are never beyond His boundless grace. May the cross of Christ bring you peace and rest as you realize you’re already forgiven. May you be delivered from every sin and filled with the Spirit of righteousness. May you walk in the freedom that Christ won for you. Amen!