So lately I have been tempted. NO! I know what you all are thinking! Not in that way! :) I have been on a diet program fairly stringently for a couple of months. I have been tempted lately; and I have failed. I can get back on the track though and continue to lose weight, or I can decide to continue eating what I want and stay at my current weight or even gain some back. The choice is mine.
This is the way with all of our temptations. We are given a choice. It is up to us as to what we do. The Bible tells us clearly that God does not tempt us. Ever. James tell us this : “When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.” We are tempted by our own evil desires; our flesh; our worldly man. Then it says this in I Corinthians: “But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.” You see, God provides us a way out! It is our choice though as to which way we are gonna go. God will always, always provide you a way out.
Now what happens if we choose the wrong road? Do we have to stay on that road? Do I have to each day eat wrong because I messed up one day? Of course not; that’s ridiculous! I can make a choice to order the right things or fix the right things at home and get back on track. It is the same way with God. We are offered grace to cover our sins. We are offered a chance to start over. Lamentations puts it so wonderfully:
Yet this I call to mind
and therefore I have hope:
22 Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
23 They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
His mercy never runs out. Does this mean we can just live like the dickens and sin all we want knowing grace is there for our taking? That’s ridiculous too!
The point is this: we all mess up but we can be freely forgiven if we just ask. God does NOT tempt you but He will always provide us a way out. And last but certainly not least---you don’t have to stay on the road you’re on if you are sinning. We mess up, we pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and continue on. Or, in my case, I throw away the chocolate bar that I want sooooo bad, and get back on that diet!
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