Day 22
BIBLE READING: James 1:12-17
Is there a difference between testing and temptation? Testing usually describes those occasions which God allows to come into our lives, such as a time of unanswered prayer or even prolonged suffering. They are designed to help our faith grow.
In those times of testing Satan will often come with a temptation. For example, when we are tested by unanswered prayer, Satan will say 'There you are, God doesn't care about you. He hasn't answered your prayer.' So in the testing time, there comes the temptation to doubt.
Of course Satan also works on our old nature, the flesh. He will try to arouse the desires of that old nature. It is not a sin to be tempted, but it is sin when we give in to that temptation.
Temptation comes from Satan. No-one can ever say 'God tempted me to do wrong'. God never does that. He allows us to be tempted by Satan or even by our old nature. But even while we re being tempted, God will give us strength to resist that temptation.
What does 1 Corinthians 10:13 say? 'There is no temptation taken you but such as is common to man. God is faithful. He will not allow you to be tempted above what you are able to bear, but will with the temptation make the way of escape also that you may be able to endure it.'
James said in chapter 1, verse 17, that God is the source of every good gift. In other words the gift of strength to resist temptation comes from God. He is absolutely faithful. He never changes. You can always count on him.
A THOUGHT:
Read 1 Thessalonians 5:24 and make it your verse for today.
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