“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. (James 1:2-8, NKJV).
The child of God feels disappointment when experiencing grief, failure, and afflictions. Some Christians start to doubt God’s authenticity during trials and may want to deny their newfound faith, with the erroneous belief their previous life was far more peaceful than Christianity.
It is crucial to understand coming to Lord is divorcing the former master (the devil) to a new one, Jesus Christ, the Lord. As a result, the enemy may discourage the Christian into renouncing the new faith through trials and temptation.
Are Temptations Denial from God?
Christians can feel discouragement during temptation and withdraw from the things of God, such as attending Christian fellowship, reading the Bible, or praying. The enemy is still prowling at the Christian and will throw darts to frustrate the Christian faith and growth.
“But Zion said, “The Lord has forsaken me, And my Lord has forgotten me.” “Can a woman forget her nursing child, And not have compassion on the son of her womb? Surely, they may forget, Yet I will not forget you. See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands; Your walls are continually before Me.” (Isaiah 49:14-16).
“But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you. For I am the Lord your God, The Holy One of Israel, your Savior;” (Isaiah 43:1-3).
God Does Not Tempt
“Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.” (James 1:13-15).
Sources of Temptation
Self-inflicted
Self-Inflicted temptations are a result of disobedience in paying attention to God’s manuscript. Manufacturers of equipment will always sell their machines with a manual about usage. A prudent buyer will read the instructions before operating the product. Buyers who ignore instructions are prone to malfunction or accidents arising from carelessness for missing the manufacturer’s guide. Self-inflicted temptations arise from living contrary to God’s manuscripts (the Word) through lusts, habits, lack of discretion, disobedience, and other careless exposures outside the laws of God.
David found Himself a victim of carelessness. He became idle when he was supposed to be at war. On one of the idle days, he fell prey to covetousness and adultery. (2 Samuel 11). David confessed his sin after a gruesome experience and exposure. He learned from his errors, wrote many psalms for our teaching, and encouragement for today.
God Allows the Temptation to Strengthen the Believer.
“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” (James 1:2-3).
Job was a man who lived the life to please God. One day His world turned around for the worst. His family is taken from him, along with his wealth and health. His friends became pests to his life, and he had lots of questions for God. At the end of his trials, he experienced more of God and understood the reason for existence. God restored more to him in exchange for his losses. (The book of Job, chapters 1-42).
After The children of Israel took possession of the Canaan land and all the generation who experienced God firsthand died, the Lord left some nations to become tests to the new generation of Israelites who did not experience God first hand. (Judges 3:1-4).
Paul had a thorn in the flesh, he sought God to take it away many times. The Lord replied, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9).
Reactions to Temptation
Count yourself blessed to suffer trials.
“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)
Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Ensure the Spirit of God is active in you, and you did not grieve Him that Jesus Christ is in you? (2 Corinthians 13:5).
Job searched himself during his trials and in confidence said, “For I know that my Redeemer lives, And He shall stand at last on the earth; And after my skin is destroyed, this I know, That in my flesh I shall see God, Whom I shall see for myself, And my eyes shall behold, and not another. How my heart yearns within me! (Job 19:25-27).
Our Shepherd and example, Jesus, passed through trials and temptation. Jesus never promised a bed of roses for His children, but He said to be courageous, “In the world, you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33).
Remain confident; He said, “Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10).
Know all things work together for good to those who love God. (Romans 8:28).
“Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me.” (Psalm 50:15).
Be glad to be counted worthy of the trial. Rejoice always.
Pray without ceasing. “Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me.” (Psalm 50:15).
“Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2).
How Do We Overcome Temptation?
If the temptation results from sin and disobedience, the individual must confess the sin to the Lord and ask for forgiveness. “My little children, these things I write to you so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. And He is the propitiation for our sins, and not ours only but also for the whole world.” (1 John 2:1-2).
Do not yield to temptation, “have nothing to do with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.” (Ephesians 5:11).
Jesus is our forerunner, and he gave us the example. The Word of God wrote, He was in warfare in the garden of Gethsemane; grief and pain overtook him. He endured and said “saying, “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not My will, but Yours, be done.” (Luke 22:42). He didn’t surrender to another medium; He followed through with the purposes and counsels of God.
Tools to Avoid Temptation
The Lord provided laws and covenants such as the Ten Commandments to guide the Israelites with their relationship with God and existence in general.
These last days, the Lord made available the Old and New Testament to us, the generation of grace, to study and live by the principles.
“If ye are willing and obedient, you will eat the fruit of the land.” (Isaiah 1:19).
Read the Word (the laws of God) and do all it teaches. Add a chapter of the book of proverbs to your daily reading, a practical book of wisdom for everyday living.
“Pray without ceasing.” (I Thessalonians 5:17).
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil, for we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the whole armor of God that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which, you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; always praying with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.” (Ephesians 6:10).
The Outcome of Endurance to Trials.
God gave Him a name above all names.
We become gold tested by fire.
Our faith becomes stronger.
We become an example to help other believers.
The enemy does not take another glory over our lives, but God does.
Joseph was promoted to the prime minister of Egypt after enduring temptation in the house of Potiphar.
Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego elevated God’s Name in the nations as the only God who can save from the lions and fire.
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