If I think back through all the times I have sinned, I’m certain there was a way of escape and yet I chose to be carried away and enticed just as James says:

“But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death.”

‭‭James‬ ‭1:14-15‬ ‭NASB‬‬‬‬

Have you ever wondered why God would not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able and why He would provide a way of escape ?  The last part of the verse is clear, “…so you will be able to endure it”. God wants you to succeed! He gives you an option to make the right choice just as Joseph did with Potiphar’s wife.  David had an option to stop looking at Bathsheeba, but chose to ignore that option and continued to gaze.  

This brings me to a couple of quick observations:

1) If we are not allowed to be tempted beyond what we are able, it means we have everything we need to be an overcomes at the time we are tempted.  Did you catch that? I believe this is because what we have in Christ is more satisfying that anything temptation can offer. God is patiently walking with us as this knowledge becomes wisdom.  When we truly believe this we are able to endure in Christ. 

2)  The process of temptation and enduring/falling proves to be a training ground showing us that We already have the Perfect Gift…Jesus Christ who is all we need. We know this to be true, now we must live it as truth for it to equip us to speak it as truth to others. 

3) We must not become distracted by our performance or lack thereof or we will miss the lesson. We must continue to focus on learning that we are completed and fulfilled in Christ; fully satisfied. 

Personal Reflection

What’s your first reaction when you are tempted? Fear of failing?  Trying to entertain the temptation while trying to “stay strong”? Over confidence?

What if you truly believed that all your needs are satisfied in Christ so much so that the minute temptation hit, you remembered that truth and began looking for the way of escape?  You would endure!

Take some time right now, grab a pen and paper and list out all the ways you have learned in scripture that Jesus satisfies your needs.   Keep this list in your Bible, review it daily and add to it every time you learn of another one.  When temptation comes you will see whatever it is as the counterfeit it is and fully relying on the truth. U

Prayer Focus

Father of lights You have given us every good thing and perfect gift. You have given us your Son Christ!  For Him and all He has done we praise you!  Solidify Your truth in our minds. Let us be fully content in Jesus and His finished work at the Cross. Thank you for not allowing us to be tempted beyond what we are able and for the way of escape.  May we learn swiftly and glorify You in Jesus’ Name, Amen!

#truthtalk4life

@brianfriedl