There is something significant about enduring temptations that brings blessings. James 1:12 God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward, they will receive the crown of life God promised those who love him.[1] As we work through temptations, it takes patience as we look to God for our strength. Today, you may be struggling with a temptation that wants to lead you down the wrong path, but the Lord calls you to look to Him for strength to overcome this trial.
Trials and temptations give us choices, and the Lord wants us to make good choices. As we grow in our relationship with the Lord and listen to the quiet voice of the Holy Spirit, He will lead us away from temptation as in the Lord’s prayer. Matthew 6:13 And don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one. [2]
James tells us a crown awaits those who endure, and when you think of a crown, it makes you think of a King or something significant. When the Lord places the crown of life upon us, it is a reward for remaining faithful to Jesus no matter the difficulty of our journey. In addition, the crown of life does not mean you have a royal position or authority over others but means you have everlasting joy for what is to come.
God Does Not Tempt Us
Although the Lord helps us overcome temptations, He is not the author of anything that temps us to do evil. James 1:13 And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else. 14 Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away.[3]
God can’t sin, which means He does not tempt us. The temptation we experience comes from our sinful nature and our enemy, satan. Although temptation does not come from the Lord, He allows the trials of life as a refining fire, purifying us like gold in the fire. When I make excuses for my sin, I am trying to shift the blame to someone else. As believers in Jesus, the Lord calls us to accept responsibility for our wrongs, confess our sins, and ask for forgiveness.
Why Does the Lord Allow Temptations?
Satan tempted Adam and Eve in the garden, but why did God allow any temptation to them or us? In God’s infinite wisdom, He does not cause temptation but uses it to refine us and help us grow. A trial means I can overcome but may also fail. Our most significant life lessons come through trials, both when we overcome and when we fail.
My failures have been hard lessons, but they showed me how important it is to depend on God. 1 Corinthians 10:13 The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure. [4]
To learn more about enduring temptation, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/jesus-faith-in-action
[1-4] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.