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Testing vs Tempting

James 1:2-4: Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the TESTING of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

James 1:13: When TEMPTED, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. Don't be deceived, my dear brothers. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

1 Corinthians 10:13: No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not ALLOW you to be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

God tests those He loves, to grow them in their faith, not to harm them or cause them to stumble.  It’s the same principle as tests that are given to children in school – it’s a process of learning the material and then taking a test to see how WELL you have learned the material.  And, in the case of God, it’s the material of LIFE and what really matters and knowing WHO is our FRIEND (God) and WHO is our ENEMY (the devil).  Through trial and error we learn to put our trust in God, in any situation, regardless of the circumstances surrounding us.  

James 1:14-15: but each one is tempted when, by his OWN evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

Ew.  Who wants to claim the responsibility of the temptation we face being our own making?  I don’t, but that is ALWAYS the case.  The areas in my life where I find myself consistently being tempted and struggling are the exact areas that I compromise in and allow LESS than what I know God’s will and plan are for my life.  

It’s frustrating, but I’m encouraged that God helps me to recognize it for what it is.  As with ANY stronghold or problem in life, acknowledging the problem for what it really is, instead of making excuses for it, is the first step to overcoming it.

2 Peter 3:8-9: But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

I thank God that He is patient - I would be a pile of ashes by now, were He not.  I thank God that, even though more times than not, I don't handle the testing of my faith gracefully, He still sees me for what I CAN be and not what I AM at the present.  I thank God that even when my faith is not strong enough to believe for the visions He has put in my heart, at the moment He puts them there, He does not take them away - instead, He works with me, through me and around me, building my faith so that I will be able to have the faith to receive that which He has promised.  God is SO good!