“Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” James 1:12

Tempted

 The biblical meaning of the word tempted means a trial where one has free choice to be faithful or unfaithful. To be tested means to prove, or examine, proof of genuineness.

How often have I tempted God to see if He really is watching, really is paying attention? If I have five or six cookies—will it REALLY hurt my health? If I do something I know is wrong, isn’t it okay because everyone else has done it? As quickly as I think these things, I am pinched in my spirit: Do not tempt thy God! God is not the tempter of evil, but Satan, who is on the prowl daily, is ready to tempt us.

At every turn there seems to be a temptation, a choice, a different path. I have the choice to choose to be faithful or unfaithful. It is hard to stay on the narrow path, but there is so much harm in taking Satan’s temptations and not turning to God for help.

“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” (1 Corinthians 10:13 NLT).

God tested Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, and He tested Abraham’s faith when he was asked to sacrifice his only son, Isaac. God often tests us through trials.

“My dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful test you are suffering, as though something unusual were happening to you” (1 Peter 4:12 GNT).

God builds us up, never tears us down; always encourages, never discourages; always is ready to hear our cries and answer them. Satan turns his ears away from our cries and whispers to us lies of one kind or another—never for our good. When I find myself weak in moments of despair, I know God is able to uphold me, but yet it is so easy to cave in to those fleshly desires and mental thoughts, allowing Satan to rule. I am disappointed in myself when I give in, yet God is so forgiving, so loving, so full of compassion, that He is willing to lift me up, dust me off , and set me on a new path. All I need to do is ask Him. You can ask Him right now….

Are you being tempted by Satan? Are you standing firm against the devil’s wiles? Now is the time to step into boldness and ask God to be there with you, setting you afresh on a new or different path.

 Father God, I pray that our minds and hearts are stayed on you. Set your daughters on new paths, refresh our spirit and renew our minds, help us stand against Satan’s lies and temptations, all for Your name’s sake. In times of temptation, I pray that You would find us faithful to your glorious name.