“…every man is tempted, when he is DRAWN AWAY BY HIS OWN DESIRES, and enticed.” (James 1:14) Temptation is an enticement to act in a manner that opposes God’s will. This is exactly what Satan was attempting when he tried to tempt Jesus (Matt. 4:1) and what he CONTINUALLY TRIES TO DO WITH US. Every time we are tempted to disobey God with our thoughts, words, or actions, we must choose whether to WALK FAITHFULLY WITH THE LORD or GO OUR OWN WAY FOLLOWING OUR OWN DESIRES.
Have you ever noticed that many temptations seem to just come out of nowhere? Everything is going well, and suddenly you’re faced with an incredibly tough temptation to sin. That’s because Satan is an opportunist. He knows your strengths and weaknesses, and knows exactly where to hit you…and the kind of evil suggestions that will tempt you most. “For a RIGHTEOUS MAN FALLS SEVEN TIMES, and RISES AGAIN, But the wicked stumble in time of calamity.” (Prov. 24:16) Micah, the prophet, said, “O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to DO JUSTICE, to LOVE KINDNESS, And to WALK HUMBLY WITH YOUR GOD…Though I fall I WILL RISE; Though I dwell in darkness, THE LORD IS A LIGHT FOR ME.” (Micah 6:8, 7:8)
WHEREVER I AM, “YOUR HAND WILL GUIDE ME, YOUR RIGHT HAND WILL HOLD ME FAST.” (Psa. 139:10)
-Bill Stockham