A few days ago we looked in James 1 at the opening verses, which set the stage for the theme: Call out to God for everything you need, including strength. Today we go to the middle of the first chapter:
12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. 13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. 14 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. 15 Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.
Our tendency when we are sapped of strength - physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually, is to just give up, to stop fighting. That is not a healthy position to take towards trials, or especially, temptations. When facing trials, to give up and say it doesn't really matter is to miss an opportunity for us to rely more fully on God's strength and allow him to grow us stronger. But when facing temptations, to give up is to totally abandon our responsibility in the matter, and to blame God not only for the consequences of our sin, but for our tendency to give in in the first place. God promises us strength for trials and temptations. For the latter He reminds us: with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. (I Corinthians 10:13)
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