Temptation!

After starting a new diet, an individual changed their usual driving route to work to avoid passing their favorite bakery. However, one day they accidentally drove by the bakery and as they approached they could see a host of goodies in the window. Feeling perhaps that it was no accident, they prayed, “Lord, it’s up you. If you want me to have any of those delicious goodies, create a parking place for me directly in front of the bakery.” And sure enough, on the eighth time around the block, there it was! “God is so good!”

Do we ever feel that if we could just stay in the right place we wouldn’t have to be faced with temptations? Though we should avoid places where we know we would be tempted, remember temptation came to Adam and Eve in the midst of paradise ( Genesis 3:1-13) while Jesus faced it in the wilderness. ( Matthew 4:1-11) They caved, but Jesus did not. Temptation has more to do with what is going on within us and that is why we must work on maintaining a FOCUS that sets our DESIRES on that which is right.

James explained the temptation process as follows:
“(13) Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am being tempted by God,’ for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. (14) But EACH person IS TEMPTED WHEN he is LURED AND ENTICED BY his OWN DESIRE. (15) Then DESIRE WHEN IT HAS CONCEIVED GIVES BIRTH TO SIN, and sin when it is FULLY GROWN BRINGS FORTH DEATH.” ( James 1:13-15 ESV)

Something is only a temptation if the DESIRE is there. Once we have been enticed we can easily be led on down the pathway James described. We are not alone in facing temptation. Temptation and the need to keep the DESIRES in check is common to all. Our need is to keep the FOCUS on that which is right and holy. That is how Jesus responded to the devil’s attempts to tempt Him; with each temptation FOCUSING on what Scripture declared.

God truly is good in His provision with regard to the temptations of life. Paul cautioned and encouraged…

“(12) Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. (13) No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. GOD IS FAITHFUL, and he will NOT let you be TEMPTED BEYOND YOUR ABILITY, but WITH THE TEMPTATION HE WILL ALSO PROVIDE THE WAY OF ESCAPE, that you may be able to endure it.” ( 1 Corinthians 10:12-13 ESV)

Rather than trusting too confidently in ourselves, let us keep the FOCUS on God and His Will as we look for the “way of escape” He will provide. However, remember God will not push us through it. We must choose to use the way He opens for us. May that be our strongest DESIRE when facing temptation.

Have a great day FINDING VICTORY OVER THE BATTLE WITHIN!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Desire