Temptation = No wants

James 1:1-4

January 2, 1984

Why me, Lord?

For the past few weeks I have been fighting a battle against a recurring temptation. It is much like over-eating; you just make it okay through breakfast and along comes lunch - unable to avoid or stay out of the place of temptation. My mind has already analyzed all the why's from Satan's point of view, and from my own. I know why I am weak in this area, and I know the consequences of yielding. It would mess up a lot of things. So the battle rages.

  However, this text shows me a different ‘why.' It is the why of God, the reason He has allowed this temptation. Before, I realized through 1 Corinthians 13 that He sees resources in me that I don't. He actually knows that I have a way of escape, which I haven't had much permanent success in finding. The flesh's strength didn't last long, that power of my will, or intellect. I went to prayer, to the cross, to the blood, and the Lord blesses me, but back IT comes.

  Verses 3-4 say, "Knowing this, that the trying of your FAITH worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, WANTING NOTHING."

  To want something is a lack of contentment, even lack of faith in the provision of God. God has a provision for me, for the need that is part of the problem I am having. Am I going to believe Him and patiently WAIT for Him, or am I going to yield and try to find another way?

  This trial is to develop a patience in me, that I might say no to sin, and yes to God. "Yes, God, I will wait for You to fill my life." That is what He wants from me. The thing that Satan tempts me with is perfectly delightful - and totally of the world. I have no right to it. It isn't even a case of having to yield up something that is okay. The need is okay, but that which Satan urges me to satisfy it with is not.

  This has driven me to a deeper relationship with God than ever before, that is, if total honesty means greater depth. 1 John 1:6-10 defines fellowship as not hiding that which is sin, openly acknowledging it and relying on Him to cleanse. But Jesus also said, "If you love me, keep my commands." It is more than just "don't" in conquering temptation. There is also replacing it with the positive grace of God that He desires in my life. For weeks I've been on the defense. Now it is time to fill up my life with that which He is seeking to develop in me - patience - and joy; joy that He is in control and that He will turn this struggle into a victory. (April 4/84 - beginning to want nothing! Praise God!!)