Many of us have things that we are tested/tempted with. Jesus left us an example to follow in his footsteps. In Luke 4, Jesus was tempted after he went through the wilderness and fasted for 40 days. I have experienced this in my own life. I would hear a sermon from the pastor, spend time alone with God, come out on a spiritual high, and immediately something came to test me. Remember, the devil comes immediately to steal the word. In order to erase it (the area that we are tempted in), we replace it with the word of God. Each time Satan tested Jesus, He said “it is written.” We get promoted to the next level after we pass our test. We know to pass a test we have to study until we are confident of the outcome.
James 1:5-12-14 NIV Version says12 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
13 When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14 but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed.
1 Peter 5 Message Version 10-11 says So keep a firm grip on the faith. The suffering will not last forever. It will not be long before this generous God who has great plans for us in Christ—eternal and glorious plans they are! —will have you put together and on your feet for good. He gets the last word; yes, he does.
We look at the end results, not the clouds we are experiencing, because we know the sunlight is coming. Which prize do you want? Do you want first, second, or third place. It is according to your faith. I do not know about anyone else, but I want the highest prize I can get. Great results come only through diligence. We must meditate on the word of God day and night. We eat food several times a day to live. For our spirit to be strong, we need to read the word of God more than once a day. How much time you spend in the word will determine the outcome. I do not know about you, but I am going for the gold!
Blessing after testing!
Prayer: God I thank you for caring enough for me to leave me examples in the word of God so I can live in victory. I meditate your word day and night so when challenges and the pressures of life come the word of God will come out of me like Jesus did. I know as I speak your word and apply pressure to your word the devil must flee. I know after the testing I will receive the many blessing you already have for me. I praise you and give you the glory. In Jesus name! Amen.