Daily Devotional

-March 23, 2021-

Good morning, happy Tuesday,

-God’s Blessing On Those Who Endure Trials And Temptations-

“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.”

(James 1:12).

James, the writer of this blessed epistle is the half-brother of Jesus. Early on in Jesus’ earthly ministry, his brothers did not believe in Him, but later turned to Him in saving faith. James and Jude both became mighty men of God and wrote epistles in the NT. James was so practical and challenging in his epistle as was Jude in his.

In chapter one, James writes of trials and temptations which we all go through. James 1:2-3, says, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.” Only a believer can rejoice in the trials of life, knowing the good that comes from them. In today’s text, James refers to temptations but it applies to trials as well. God sends trials but never temptations. The devil uses our sinful flesh against us to try to get us to sin.

There is a special blessing for those who endure temptation. We cannot do this without the Lord’s help. This is exactly what Joseph went through. He experienced temptation in Potiphar’s house and endured it day after day. Potiphar’s wife was wicked and tried her utmost to seduce young Joseph to be with her. He did the wise thing and fled, but she brought a false accusation against him and he was thrown into prison. Later, he interpreted the dreams of the chief cup bearer and the chief baker, who had displeased Pharaoh and ended up in the same prison. Joseph went on to interpret Pharaoh’s dreams and he put him in charge of all Egypt.

Joseph said “no” to temptation and God blessed him here on earth and in heaven as well. Joseph also experienced many difficult trials and endured them. James tells us that all of us as believers who endure temptation and love the Lord will receive the crown of life. Our commitment to Christ and obeying Him supersedes and overrides all our fleshly desires.

Jesus experienced temptation from the devil and rejected it using the Word of God. Jesus was God manifested in the flesh and was sinless and perfect. He showed us that we also can endure temptations through the Scriptures. We all want God’s approval and to be victorious over sin. Temptation is not sin, giving in to the temptation is. Jesus told His disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane, “Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit is indeed is willing but the flesh is weak” (Matthew 26:41).

The Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 10:12-13, “Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you except such is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” God does not want us to fall into sin so He provides the way out for us.

My friends, God wants us to refuse temptation, endure temptation, and flee temptation. He assures us there is the path to victory and we will be rewarded at the Judgment Seat of Christ. The same is true of enduring trials.

Have a blessed day enduring trials and temptations. Our Savior will be pleased. Stay safe and healthy.

Dean