The Reward for Resisting Temptation
- Vernita "Neat" Simmons
- 8 hours ago
- 3 min read
1 Corinthians 10:13, AMP, tells us; No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
Ready or not, temptation is coming. It can be as subtle or conniving as a snake. With intentions to deceive and a mission to destroy, it seems sweet and blameless. Like Eve in the Garden of Eden, it came with a twisted expression and false hope. (Genesis 3:1-7). It can seem so innocent and harmless that the urge to deny it becomes irresistible.
It catches us off guard and plants an idea in our minds. The enemy makes you think there is no harm in this. After all, it is only a thought. You are not harming anyone. However, once we bite the forbidden fruit, it goes from an idea to outright sin that is so enticing that its hold on us is mightier than our will to resist. David experienced this when he saw Bathsheba bathing. He could have turned and walked away. But David allowed his desire to take over. Instead of exhibiting self-control, He exercised satisfying his flesh. (2 Samuel Chapter 11:1-14).
Temptation exempts none of us. However, James teaches us to submit to God and resist the devil, and he will flee. (James 4:7). However great the temptation is, the Lord’s power to enable us to overcome it is far greater. The believer who desires to please the Lord and be holy as He is holy must rise above the temptation. Even Joseph resisted the wife of Potiphar's seductive pleas and ran out of the house, leaving his garment behind. His actions sent him to prison, but his honor to God resulted in an elevation he never thought possible. (Genesis Chapter 39).
The question to ask oneself is, Do you want to escape? Herein lies our heart posture. When temptation comes, our heart posture determines our commitment to Jesus. Over time, God sent Nathan to David with a story that touched his heart. King David felt remorse, repented, and prayed to God to cleanse him of his sins. And God answered his prayer. (2 Samuel 12:1-15; Psalms 51, ESV). He will do likewise for anybody who confesses and restrains themselves from surrendering to temptations. Will you give in like David or run away as Jacob did?
I pray the song; How Great Is Our God by Chris Tomlin reminds you of the price God paid to defeat any temptation you will encounter. He is the Name above all names. So, when you are tempted, I dare you to call on His Name.
TIME FOR REFLECTION: Please encourage someone today. Since we all have experienced being tempted, share with us a time you resisted temptation and the good benefits from that choice. Leave your comment below, hit that heart, and share this devotional.
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