Verse; James 1:21
lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.
Story
Fifteenth-century monk Thomas à Kempis, in the beloved classic The Imitation of Christ, offers a perspective on temptation that might be a bit surprising. Instead of focusing on the pain and difficulties temptation can lead to, he writes, “[temptations] are useful because they can make us humble, they can cleanse us, and they can teach us.” Kempis explains, “The key to victory is true humility and patience; in them we overcome the enemy.”
Humility and patience. How different my walk with Christ would be if that were how I naturally responded to temptation! More often, I react with shame, frustration, and impatient attempts to get rid of the struggle.
But, as we learn from James 1, the temptations and trials we face don’t have to be without purpose or merely a threat we endure. Although giving in to temptation can bring heartbreak and devastation (vv. 13-15), when we turn to God with humble hearts seeking His wisdom and grace, we find He “gives generously to all without finding fault” (v. 5). Through His power in us, our trials and struggles to resist sin build perseverance, “so that [we] may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (v. 4).
As we trust in Jesus, there’s no reason to live in fear. As God’s dearly loved children, we can find peace as we rest in His loving arms even as we face temptation.
By Monica La Rose
Reflect and pray
Jesus, I’m saddened when I realize how often I try to face life’s temptations and struggles on my own—as if I’m self-sufficient, as if I don’t need You. Thank You for Your unending love and patience with me. Amen
Raynette K. Weiss Ministries would like to give you encouragement and the chance to become a child of God.
If you want to be one of God’s children, all you have to do is look up and pray the following: Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner, please forgive me, I repent. I give you my life, Come into my heart and give me the courage and boldness to change, and walk with you in the way you want me to. Amen.
Note: The meaning of the word repent.(feel or express sincere regret or remorse about one’s wrongdoing or sin.)
Note: Ways to contact us are the following: Email: raynettekweissministries@yahoo.com. You may also contact on facebook using facebook massager. www.facebook.com/raynettekweissministries. If you email we will get back to you as soon as we can, probably during the week in the evenings. If we happen to be working at home we may be able to do it during the day.