By[12] “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 (NKJV)
Let’s say you battle with stealing. Yet, every day, temptations arise to make you commit the very sin you don’t want to do. How does it feel? Very enduring. Right? That’s actually how bad many people are facing in this world. Holy people of God see women half-naked on the streets each day. Some ministers of God encounter pornographic materials online, even through clean browsing with their own devices. What do you do as a child of God when such temptations keep coming your way? For sexual immorality, the Bible is clear on it. You’ve got to flee (see 1 Corinthians 6:18). But for some, like envious thoughts, you’ve got to activate the grace of God upon your life to endure as you walk through it without falling. 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NKJV) says,
[13] “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.”
That means that no matter how hard the devil tries to trap you in temptation, there’s adequate grace in the Spirit to overcome each of his gimmicks. However, it’ll always be your choice who to submit to – God or satan.
When you submit to God’s ways to overcome temptation, the Bible says blessed are you (James 1:12). But what kind of blessing is that? It’s called the reception of the crown of life, which God has promised for only those who love Him. That means you’ll receive life to live above such temptation.
Of course, it’s your love, coupled with reverence, for God that will make you hate sin. Think about Joseph. He could have slept with Potiphar’s wife, but he ran away, not because he feared his master but because he loved God (see Genesis 39:8-9). You, a child of God, can live in this evil age without submitting to sin. May God’s grace be with you.
You’re a blessing.
Prayer:
Father, thank You for the immense love toward me. As You’ve said in Your Word, blessed is the man who endures temptation, so I pray in the name of Jesus, bring alive in me that dimension of Your grace upon my life to say no to all manner of ungodliness in this evil age. Amen!
Devotional Code: KGD – 2024 – 148
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