There is a verse in the Bible that conflicts with my natural mind thinking. It is James 1:2. It says, “…count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations.” For me I could do without the hassle of being tempted, interrupting a peaceful lifestyle.

Looking closer at this verse we discover the Greek word representing “temptations” means, “putting to the test; proving, or a trial to prove something.”

In thinking about this a little further, I reflected on my days playing and coaching organized basketball. Whenever we would play a difficult team we would get more out of it than beating an easy team. Perhaps my best college game experience was playing against a far superior team. Even though we lost, I performed at my highest level. When we take on challenging situations we grow much more than doing the easy things.

Later in Chapter one of James it expands on the subject of temptation:

James 1:12-14:

Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:

But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.

Realize when those trials come your way, they are not from our Heavenly Father. The devil attacks our weakness on those things we are challenged in. As we experience trusting in our Father and believing His Word, we will build experiences of overcoming temptations that will make us better in the future for the work of the ministry.

What did Jesus Christ do when He was tempted? And He was tempted way beyond what we would experience. As recorded in the Gospels, He would challenge every temptation with, “It is written.” God’s Word was the key and answer to successfully overcome any and all temptations of the devil. Build the knowledge of God’s Word in your heart so that you can defeat the adversary.

I Corinthians 15:57:

But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Rejoice my fellow brothers and sisters when you are tested or challenged with life’s situations. Take on that temptation with the confidence you have in Christ. It will make you a better and far sharper person, making you a more effective steward for Him.

Agape,

Bob