Transformed by Temptation

Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. – James 1:13

Temptation can be defined as a solicitation to do evil. Remember, nothing can come your way without divine approval. Whether it’s a test or a temptation, positive or negative, it has to flow through God’s fingers first.

God has to allow the devil to tempt us, and at the same time He is testing us.

If a temptation comes to you, God had to allow it to come; but even so, He is not the source of that temptation.

We find this truth in the story of Job. Satan said Job was serving God only because God was so good to him, so God allowed the devil to tempt Job. Satan solicited Job to curse God, but this test showed Job’s faithfulness to God—he didn’t give in to the temptation.

You face the same decision when you are faced with temptations or tests. How will you respond? In the heat of the battle, it is sometimes difficult to respond well. In those times, ask God to give you an extra measure of grace to remember His track record of goodness, faithfulness, and love.