Why I’m Thankful for Temptation
Life would be a lot better if we were not tempted, right? We know sin and temptation are not the same, but it’s temptation that leads to sin. Logically then, if we weren’t tempted, we’d never sin. That would be a sweet deal.
But it’s not going to happen.
There’s only way for your life to be totally devoid of temptation. You gotta die. That’s it. Until you’re face-to-face with Jesus, temptation will always be lurking about like the stray cat you fed once six years ago.
When temptation comes knocking, you’re not alone. Scripture gives us plenty of help. In fact, let’s start with Scripture. When Jesus was tempted (Matt. 4), Jesus countered the bait Satan was tossing at Him with Scripture. No arguments. No debates. Just Scripture. When we fill our minds with God’s Word, we’re on the right road.
I want to focus on one thing that may sound odd, but it’s a good start to standing against temptation. Thank God for the temptation. We’re not thanking God for sin, but we’re thanking God for the opportunity inherent in that temptation.
- When we face temptation, we have the opportunity to declare our loyalty to the lordship of Christ.
- When we face temptation, we have the opportunity to lean on Jesus in prayer.
- When we face temptation, we have the opportunity to stand strong and gain the victory.
- When we face temptation, we have the opportunity to point others to the power and presence of Christ in our lives.
- When we face temptation, we have the opportunity to become more like Jesus.
We must see temptation from God’s perspective. He knows us. He loves us. He wants to give us victory, and therefore, He has provided a way out of temptation.
“No temptation has come upon you except what is common to humanity. But God is faithful; he will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation he will also provide the way out so that you may be able to bear it” (1 Cor. 10:13).
There is no growth if life is totally devoid of challenges. A day will come when those challenges are no more, but while on this earth, let’s see those challenges and temptations as ways to draw us closer to the Victor.
“Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in everything; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thess. 5:16-18).
“Jesus, thank You for this opportunity to draw close to You as I stand on Your Word and say no to that which seeks to draw me into sin and away from You.”
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