22nd April 2021 – Blessing In Trials

Though having trials may not be a blessing, this text teaches that enduring trials brings blessing. God blesses someone who perseveres under trial. Blessed means “fortunate,” and speaks of an inner quality of joy, contentment in God not affected by outward circumstances. This blessing is a joy that the world cannot take from us. It is joy that resides in the depths of your heart. Joy is a matter of choice. You can allow yourself to be miserable in life or you can choose to face the challenges of life with joy. Our joy flows from a personal connection with the Saviour of the World. Nothing can ever take that away from you.

Temptation is something the Christian has to fight with as long as we are here. If you are not being tempted there is a good chance you’re doing what the devil wants already, so he has no need to bother you. Temptation is a thread that joins us all together as human beings; temptation levels the playing field! We are all susceptible to its attraction, and we can all be equally devastated when we yield to its seduction. The best policy when you give in to temptation and sin is to quickly repent and admit you’re wrong and set a new course of action.

The rewards of resisting temptations include the freedom from the many consequences of our sin. While God will forgive our sin, we still have to live with the consequences. “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.”

Difficulties can get you down. But if you will remain faithful to God your difficulties will give you strength of character so that you will walk confidently with God prepared for whatever life has in store for you. The way to God’s winner’s circle is by loving Him and staying faithful even under pressure.

You don’t have to try to overcome temptation in your own strength. God is with you; His Spirit will empower you to say no to sin and yes to obedience! God will make a way of escape! Don’t look at temptation, those things that will entice you to sin, look for God’s exit and run through it.

The temptation to sin never comes from God, He is not a tease! The lure to sin comes from our fallen nature or appetites. Though temptation is real, we can resist the temptation to sin, God promises to always make a way to escape (1 Cor. 10:13)! We are to endure outward trials (James 1:12) but to resist inward temptations (James 1:13-15). Success brings the “crown of life” (James 1:12), failure gives birth to death! (James 1:15) Take the great escape God gives you! Jesus is the ultimate escape route.