Scripture:
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. (James 1:13-14 NKJV)
Devotion:
How often are we faced with temptation throughout our lives? This is a common thing because we are never faced with anything that someone else somewhere isn’t already familiar with. The issue however, isn’t the presentation of the temptation per se, but our succumbing to it so willingly, putting forth little to no effort to resist the temptation. Because the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, meaning we are fighting a spiritual battle, we must have some indwelling force helping us to resist those things that are contrary to living a spirit-led life. We need the Holy Ghost!
James 1:13 tells us that God does not temp us but we allow our own desires to drag us away from that which is holy and influence us to take a path that causes self-inflicted wounds, wounds that could sometimes take years to heal, feelings of being disconnected and broken. Bowing down to temptation stunts our spiritual growth and God’s calling on our life becomes ineffective or unproductive.
But Guess what? There is hope. In 1Corinthians 10:13, God assures us that He will not allow us to be tempted above what we can handle but He will make a way for us to escape. When we call on Him, God is always readily available to help us even in times of trouble that we have inflicted upon ourselves. He is our refuge and strength and is a healer of self-inflicted wounds.
Reflection: Are your spiritual eyes open to the things that may cause you to stumble? In the past, what has influenced you to keep going in the right direction? At times, what has caused you to choose the wrong path? When faced with temptation, I challenge you to focus on the things that empowered you to keep going in the right direction and remember you have help.
Prayer:
Thank you Jesus for being my high priest who has the ability to sympathize with my weaknesses. I know that you were tempted in every way that I am but didn’t sin. God I pray that through the presence of the Holy Ghost in my life that you empower me to walk circumspectly using the authority that you have given me to resist everything that is contrary to your word. I pray dear God, if I fall short, that you would pick me up, dust me off and help me to keep pushing forward in you. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
Sis Selika Newton
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