#6 Growth and Temptation
So, as Christians, being tempted is not an enjoyable experience. It causes this tug of war between what we want to do and what God wants us to do. Now, if we’re tempted in an area that we’re comfortable in, resistance is not that bad. However, it’s when we’re tempted in places of struggle where the real battle begins! We all have that one area, or many, where God already knows it’s going to be a fight.
Me: Did that person just cut me off on the road, on purpose?! Oh, I’ve got some words for them starting with a certain letter of the alphabet.
God: Forgive them, and be patient with them.
Me: The thing is God…….
God: Forgive
Me: Fine…….. (I won’t be happy about it)
(It doesn’t always end this way.)
See, what causes us frustration is not only the fight we have with God, but also the sacrifice of our own desire. We really want to do something, but we may not want to “submit” to the order of the Lord. Now, what makes temptation even worse is when the same thing tempts you, even when you thought you were past it! It’s annoying, painful, and sometimes lowers the morale of our own faith. I have heard the statement, “You should be struggling with the same thing! At least find something different.” Honestly, there are moments when I want it to be that easy. I would wake up and say, “New struggle today!” But, the truth is, at least in my case, it hasn’t been that simple. “Am I really a growing Christian if this keeps happening to me?” “What’s wrong with me?” I’ve had these questions appear in my mind many times in the past, and I know some of you have too. Here’s the good news though, and you can scream this aloud regardless of where you are if you’d like: “My struggle is proof of God’s work in me!”
How can this be? Well, let’s look at metal for a moment. Many times, metal is strengthened through a process known as tempering. Basically, the metal is heated and is eventually becomes stronger. I can only imagine what the metal would say if it could talk. I can tell you it wouldn’t be happy. The process is annoying and painful, but it leads to a better product. In the same way, our struggles are used as a tempering process by God. He refines us, strengthens, and shows his power in our weakness. It’s in this way that we continuously grow and mature in our faith. So, can you struggle in the same thing and still grow? Absolutely. If truth be told, sometimes our places of growth are manifested in different areas. (If it is patience, you may be less patient with your spouse than a coworker. Patient with one person and not the other.) This is why growth and maturation are a lifelong process. However, even in our weakness, God’s power and grace will still show.
Today’s Verse: 1 Peter 5:8-10
8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.”
Have a great week and may God bless you all.
