James 1:9-11 (NIV) “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
13 When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14 but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. 15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.”
God isn’t your problem! He’s not the one holding the carrot of temptation over you to see if you will jump.
Realize that God is not the instigator of the sin that’s stalking you. He’s not tempting you with it, because there is no sin in God. In fact, the Bible says that every good and perfect gift is from God. He only has good things for you.
Contrary to some people’s belief, God is not out to get you. Our real problem is that we have a nature that is drawn toward sin. We are our biggest problem.
And of course, Satan, who is a master of lies, knows about our sin problem, and desires nothing more than to lure us away from God… right into the deceitful, choking grasp of sin and destruction.
The problem is that we are weak towards sin. Our bodies are drawn towards sin. And, sin does look good in the moment.
But, what we don’t realize is that those sin-ridden desires are bait. It starts with a “you want this, and you deserve it” idea. At this point, it’s just an idea.
When you reach out and claim it and allow it to take root in your life is the moment it transforms into sin.
The hidden truth that Satan won’t blaringly announce when he introduces that enticing sin idea, is that that it’s laced with one specific purpose… death:
- Death of your relationship with God
- Death of your family and friend relationships
- Death of your God-instilled life purpose and ambitions
- And potentially, literal death
Don’t let sin win! Fill yourself with God’s Word, so you can have the power to say “NO” to the sin that wants to wreak havoc in your life.
Zechariah 4:6 (NIV) “…‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty.”