Joy in Temptation

By John Weaver

March 1, 2020

“Blessed is the man that endureth temptation, for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to them that love him” (James 1:12). These powerful verses may shake our thinking a bit!

Don't we all admire the person who goes through life seeming like they have no trials or temptations? There may be such people, but very few. We all have our trials; our “thorns in the flesh." Who wants trials? Or who wants to go through temptations? None of us do, really.

“For whom the Lord loveth, he chasteneth and scourgeth” (to afflict greatly) “every son whom he receiveth” (Hebrews 12:6). A growing Christian will realize that God uses trials and temptations to bring us to the end of our strength and abilities. He wants us to rely on Him alone. Even Christ learned obedience. How? By the things that He suffered.

A good attitude to have when we are facing a trial, hardship, or temptation, is to ask God, “Lord what do you want to teach me with this thing?” Then, let God show you.

“Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised therby” (Hebrews 12:11).

“To them that are exercised thereby” —
that is the key. God may break us in order to use us. Let the chastisement do a good work in us.

“But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons” (Hebrews 12:8). Strong words from God.

So whatever the trial, the temptation, or the hardship that you are facing, tell God. This is for your good, and anything from God will simply help you in the long run.

 “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him” (Job 13:15a).

 

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