God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
James 1:12 NLT
Don’t fool yourself. This life is not about our own personal pleasure, comfort, entertainment and ease.
It’s a continual growth process marked by testing, temptation, trials and tribulation. It culminates in death.
But death is not the end.
There is a Resurrection of the Dead.
“I tell you the truth, those who listen to my message and believe in God who sent me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into life.
“The Father has life in himself, and he has granted that same life-giving power to his Son. And he has given him authority to judge everyone because he is the Son of Man.
“Don’t be so surprised! Indeed, the time is coming when all the dead in their graves will hear the voice of God’s Son, and they will rise again. Those who have done good will rise to experience eternal life, and those who have continued in evil will rise to experience judgment.”
John 5:24, 26-29 NLT
If you love God, you obey God. If you don’t love God, you rebel against Him. When we come to have faith in God, when we recognize Jesus as our Savior, repentance from dead works is the appropriate response. We turn from our sin and follow God.
And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else.
Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death.
James 1:13-15 NLT
God cannot sin. There is no darkness in Him at all. The Holy Spirit cannot sin. He is the Spirit of Love and Truth. The Spirit will not lead you into sin. Trust me, if the Holy Spirit is truly leading you, you can confidently know that He won’t lead you to sin against God or your fellow human beings.
All temptation comes from our own fallen, carnal desires. If we give in to our lesser nature, it leads to sinful behavior. Sin is a matter of the heart. If we love the Light more than the darkness, we can successfully resist temptation. If we love the darkness more than the Light, we will give in to sin and eventually die in our sin.
Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Patiently endure testing and temptation and you will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.
“Don’t be afraid of what you are about to suffer. The devil will throw some of you into prison to test you. You will suffer for ten days. But if you remain faithful even when facing death, I will give you the crown of life.
“Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches. Whoever is victorious will not be harmed by the second death.”
Revelation 2:10-11 NLT
Our mortal bodies must die. Flesh and blood cannot inherit the Kingdom of God. Our resurrected, glorified bodies will. Endure to ensure you get your full reward.
God is with us in the fire.
Prayer Points
- Ask God to give you grace to endure.
- Ask God to give you peace in the midst of your storm.
- Ask God to make you a vessel of honor for His glory.
Father in Heaven, thank You for giving us the gift of eternal life in Christ Jesus. Let us never forget that we are saved through Christ and that nothing can harm us. We are saved by faith not by works. Let us never lose faith in You and always endeavor to do what pleases You. Amen.
Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers and sisters.
James 1:16 NASB2020
Recommended reading: James 1, John 5 and Revelation 2.
Igniter Ministries 