Many
people believe that God tempts us; however, God cannot be tempted by evil, and
He does not tempt anyone (James 1:13). We are tempted and enticed by our own
evil desires to dwell in darkness, rather than in His Light (James 1:14-15;
John 3:19).
God
faithfully gives us a way to escape all allurement toward full-blown sin, so
that we can stand against the flesh, the world and the devil (1 Corinthians
10:13). He provides for us everything that we need in order to firmly stand our
ground (Ephesians 6:13).
Then
when we persevere and pass the test, we receive a crown of life from the Lord
who loves us, abides within us, walks with us, and is the rewarder of those who
diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6; James 1:12).
People
also think that 1 Corinthians 10:13 says that God will not test us more than we
are able to bear. Then they get angry with God when they experience trials that
are too difficult for them, or when a loved one dies.
The
opposite is actually true. Jesus promises that in this world we will have
tribulation. It is often more than we can bear, but never more than He can bear.
We can trust Him, because He abides within us and walks through trials with us.
We
can also face tribulation cheerfully, because He already overcame anything we
could ever experience (John 16:33). God is our strong tower and our mighty
fortress during our trials (Psalm 18:2). We can do all things through Him,
because He gives us His strength (Philippians 4:13).
Prayer:
Father
God, help us to learn to rely only on You at all times. Even though the trials
and temptations in this world are stacked up against us, we learn to see things
by faith rather than by sight (Hebrews 11:1). Then our faith grows, as we see
You work out all things for our eventual good, and You help us to overcome
life’s hardships (Romans 8:28).
When
we put our trust in You, rather than relying on our own human resources, You
help us to see the seed for a miracle that You plant in every trial. Help us to
remember that when our life is empty, You fill it; when difficulties overcome us,
You deliver us; and when we fall, You still love us and that is all that really
matters.
Thought
for the Day:
God
is the benevolent Father portrayed in Jesus' parable of the prodigal son; and
even when we take Him for granted, or spurn His love for us, He never abandons
or neglects us.
-
Luke 15:11-32; Hebrews 13:5
