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Earlier this week, Jordan challenged the band thru Yahoogroups bout Temptations and what are our options towards it.. Looking back at what I typed, realised that God chooses to lead us to our very own thoughts to answer our very own questions just when we need it most.
Such as now.
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The topic of temptation has always been ideal for pondering, especially whenever I study Job. His book and story is the perfect illustration for me I guess.
Personally, I feel temptation comes from the Lord. He gives Satan the authority and in a way, the "go ahead" to tempt us. However, our God is still a gracious God... and
it did say in 1 Cor. 10:13 that "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it."
He is in control. And fleeing is the "way out".
When temptation comes our way, we flee from it. Only because it will cause us to turn our eyes away from our Lord. A distraction that will break His heart, and cost us
dearly.
But what happens when you flee and it chases after you?
Just like in Job chapter 1:12, God actually said "Everything he has is in your hands, but on the man himself do not lay a finger." What the heck was God trying to do here?! He's actually giving Satan the permission to harm all that Job has.. except the man himself.
That includes oxens and donkeys, camels and mehmehs, even his children were not
spared. Flee what flee!
(How Satan can come before God with angels and still stand, I still do not
know.... shouldnt he die or something?.. -cough-)
And Job's a man of God. Not someone wallowing in sin, so shouldnt he be the one
that is tempted less?
But then look at Matthew 4 and the temptation of Jesus. Jesus is perfect son of
man and God.. sinless. Yet he was not spared for 40days&nights. Our God most definitely do not look at status before deciding to allow you to grow through trials.
Both Job and Jesus could have turned away from the Heavenly Father at any point
of time. They had the rights too even! Considering their situations (which is a WHOLE LOT WORSE than your usual idolatry and lying... But I guess all sin is equal in God's eyes. .)
And they didn't.
Jesus rebuked the devil.
Job said (v.21)" Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart.
The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised." The man is siao right? If I was quarreling with my brother and in the heat of the moment
was tempted to hurl some hurtful insult at him, i sure wouldnt be "praising the Lord's name" suddenly.
But Job did. And God was pleased.
Everyone knows by now the happy ending of Job. (If you dont, go read Job chap
42. now.) But God did not always guarantee a happy ending you know? Whoever said that at the end of temptation would be a happy, pleasant surprise?
I loved what Job said after he was tempted the second time. (Chap2:10) He said:"Should we accept good from God, and not trouble?"
Will God love us less if we failed to resist temptation and fall to sin? Will He promise you grace this time, but not again the second or the three hundred & fifteenth time round? Will I still follow after Him faithfully if my life were to suddenly crumble? The God who showers us with blessings just so happens to be our comfort when we struggle with sin too. Our God is consistent and He is abundantly loving towards us no matter what. He doesn't sit by smirking at us in the grip of Satan. I'm sure He was equally heartbroken and weeping when his own Son was drifting aimlessly in the desert suffering, as when Job was tearing at his flesh when he had those painful sores, as when Inez steals or lies or curses.
No one knows why, and no one ever will. For it is the will of our Lord. But i
believe temptation is to strengthen us in our faith and trust upon Him. More
specifically, the STRUGGLES of temptation. If we allow ourselves to rest in stagnant and peaceful circumstances all the time.. everything oh-so-beautiful and mellow, i doubt our fruits of the Spirit and our flame for God would carry on flourishing and burning. It's only through rough patches that we actually grow stronger. Not cliche.
A song that always encourages and touches my heart is Thank You Lord. Especially the stanza that goes:
But I thank you Lord, with each trial I feel inside
That You're there to help, lead and guide
My away from wrong
'Cos You promised Lord, that with every testing
That Your way of escaping
Is easier to bear.
He didn't promise NO suffering with every testing or temptation, but He DID promise a way of escape.
And that should be more than enough for us.
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I'd forgotten what a gracious and loving God you are now, Jesus.. It's been a tough week... But I know you're constant and you're definitely not laughing at my circumstances. But weeping along with me too before holding me in your arms. Thanks for being here with me.
