Sunday 12 April, 2015

12 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. 16 Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters.

Here I see the Devil’s plans laid bare and God’s purposes and rewards declared. Testings and temptations are never designed by God, but God uses them to develop endurance and He rewards those who patiently endure. Everyone one is tempted and if I am tempted that doesn’t make me a sinner. When I endure through temptation in hope of God’s blessing I show I have faith. But what happens when I don’t endure?

Temptation is left to linger, it starts to have a long conversation with my desires. If they chat long enough my desires will drag me down a path of action, sinful action. When sin is hidden and allowed to keep active in my life it works like an acid and decays my life.

O Lord, you have set me free from the power of sin. Drag me and my desires to your temple, let me see your beauty and your grace. Let me taste some of my reward. For better is one day in your courts then one thousand elsewhere!

Written by Andrew Mellor