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.
We are currently studying the book of James in our Tuesday night bible study. We meet on zoom each Tuesday at 6:30pm*, discuss prayer requests, pray for each one, then we do about a half hour of studying. This is always such a blessing. This current study is just as much a blessing as all the rest. What a wonderful book of the bible. There is so much contained in this book, as with all the books of the bible, but I thought I would look at one verse that I have been thinking about.
James 1:12, stated above, is a short verse but holds one of God’s many promises. What a promise it is too. This world is full of temptation. Around every corner, every interaction, every time we look at our phones or computers there is temptation. Walking past a store window we can be pulled in by something we see. Scrolling through the internet we can be drawn to click on a link we probably shouldn’t. So many temptations all around us. The world pulls at us daily.
This verse calls for us to “endure temptation”. What that really means is fight it. Turn away from it, turn away from the things of this world. When we overcome a temptation, successfully fight it, and avoid it, God takes note. The best part is, when we “endure temptation”, we are promised eternal life with Him. What a promise!
Eternity with our Heavenly Father is beyond our greatest comprehension. Peace, no sin, no pain, and especially no death. We can’t imagine just how wonderful it will be to be present in His glory surrounded by peace and beauty, but He does promise it. It gives us something to hold onto. It isn’t easy turning away from temptations, but the reward is so great.
Hold fast to Him and His promises. Turn away from temptation and turn toward Him.
If you are interested in joining our Tuesday night bible study, please go to the link on the prayer meeting/bible study page. You will be blessed! (Central time zone)