Fighting Temptation

"Blessed (happy, to be envied) is the man who is patient under trial and stands up under temptation, for when he has stood the test and been approved, he will receive [the victor's] crown of life which God has promised to those who love Him.  Let no one say when he is tempted, I am tempted from God; for God is incapable of being tempted by [what is] evil and He Himself tempts no one.  But every person is tempted when he is drawn away, enticed and baited by his own evil desire (lust, passions)."  (James 1:12-14 Amp)

What is tempting you today?  Is it that piece of cake?  Telling someone about someone else (gossiping)?  Taking control of someone else's project?  Taking credit for what is not yours? 

Is it to just give up on life?  Yes, even that is a temptation.  It's when we feel so down that it is hard to look beyond ourselves and the pain we are feeling.  We are even led to believe by something deep within us that it's okay to feel sorry for ourselves, that we deserve the pity party.  You know, that same voice that tells us it is okay to dwell in misery for awhile is the same one that has crippled us on our fervent walk with God!

The devil takes great pleasure in seeing us suffer.  To him, it's fun to take away our desire to focus on God and all the things He has promised us.  While we wallow in self-pity we are only focusing on ourselves.  And as long as we keep our eyes on ourselves we will be like the Apostle Peter and sink into the raging sea, very close to drowning.  (You've heard the expression, 'drowning in self-pity.')

If we sink into this sea of temptation we find ourselves totally disconnected with our source of life - Jesus Himself.  If we're smart we'll do what Peter did, and cry out to Jesus, "Lord, save me!"  And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him..." Matt 14:30-31

When temptation comes (as it does every day), if we ignore it, it will go away!  If we are patient, and keep focused on Jesus, if we endure and pass the test, we will receive "The victor's crown of life" which God has promised to those who love Him!!"  Can you imagine standing before God and He places a beautiful golden crown on your head?  How absolutely fantastic is that!?

Take heart, we have all been there.  We will probably all return to that place of temptation, but maybe if we rebuke the tempter and instead say "I love You, Jesus, I trust You," with a smile on our face, maybe we'll last just a little longer each time until the day we conquer that beast.

© dft