Short Devotions For Today's Christian

Danna's

Short Inspired Devotions from the Bible

"It is not possible without temptation for a man to grow wise in spiritual warfare, to know his Provider and perceive his God, and to be secretly confirmed in his faith, save by virtue of the experience which he has gained."

Isaac from Syria

Enduring the Trials of Temptation

James 1:12 states: "Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him."

Now when it comes to this passage, know that it reveals that James wanted to warn, while reminding us as believers, that even though we'd accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior; that they are responsibilities that come with that acceptance. For he wanted you to know, that even though old things have now passed away; we should still press ourselves, when it comes to making room for things, that are now fresh and new. Understand that James wanted us at all times, to be on guard. And it's for this reason, that he'd warned us, that temptation was sure to follow.

Understand that these temptations will approach us from many directions.

For they could come from areas from within our life, that deals with worldly things; fleshly things; or from the lies, tricks and deceiving schemes of the world.

And make no mistake, even though we have made the decision to follow Christ, tested, we will continue to be.

But never fret, for this isn't a reason for us to hang our heads.

Always remember, the trials of temptation that we face daily, is nothing but a readiness-test, that designed to further prepare, and equip us, for the real purpose that the Lord has placed on our lives.

So therefore, they should be looked upon, as a friendly reminder, that God is in full control, and that His prefect will for our lives, no matter what, will be done. For I like to think, that by knowing this, as we're being faced with these types of life challenges; we'll soon learn, that it's at this point from within the challenge, where we are finding temptation, harder to resist. And it's because of this weakness, that we end up submitting to our flesh, or crying out to God, while being shackled to the condition of doubt and fear. Know that this happens, because we have now been snared, and our faith has now been weaken by our current ordeal.

However, while all of this is going on, we must also remember, that this is nothing but a test, that's been put forth by God. And it's through this test, that we're now being prepared for something greater. So instead of giving up, by turning away from God; today I'm challenging you, to draw reassurance from His Word which states: "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." -- Romans 8:28

Now with all this being stated, may I also suggest, that you don't be afraid to "Surrender All to God" (S.A.T.G). And even though the purpose that the Lord has placed on our lives, will at times, place us on a path that will take us through a valley of alluring temptations, in which again, are nothing but traps and snares, that are designed to enslave us to a life of sin; may I suggest, again, that you don't fret, or hang your head... but endure my friend. Yes endure! And know that God is in full control.

So today I'm simply asking you, for the love of Christ, to never give up, to endure your hardships. Resist temptation, and have the confidence in knowing, that your season of enduring, will quickly be followed by a season of joy. For God is forever faithful to us; and His always willing and able, no matter what, ready to stand by our side -- Amen.

I hope and pray, that Danna's short devotion, was in some way, a blessing to you