James 1:2-8 – “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.”  NKJV

Another passage I suggest is 1 Corinthians 10:13 – “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.”  I have learned and believe there are some clear promises in God’s word that we can expect as a part of our Spiritual Inheritance in Jesus.

            GUIDANCE ………  The Holy Spirit will guide us into all Truth. (John 16:13)

            INSTRUCTION …. The Holy Spirit will teach us God’s Truth.  (John 16:13)

            PROVISION ……… God will supply all our needs. (Philippians 4:19)

            COMFORT ……….  We will never be left comfortless. (John 14:18)

            DEFENSE ………    The Battle is not ours, but God’s. (2 Chronicles 20:15)

We are also told that when we do not know how to pray as we should, the Holy Spirit will make intercession for and through us.  God’s word informs us that people are defeated and destroyed because of a ‘lack of knowledge or ‘understanding.’  We have the incredible promise that IF we walk in the Light as He is the Light, we can ask what we will and expect an answer.  Please understand that I believe the Bible teaches that both the motive and request must be wholesome and pure.  If we ask anything According to His Will, the Bible informs us that It Is Done! Therefore, we need to know the following:

• THE WILL OF GOD.
• THE PRINCIPLES BY WHICH HE WORKS.
• WHAT GOD DESIRES TO DO IN US.

That is no small undertaking, and without His help, impossible!  One principle that affects us significantly in our walk and warfare and is often overlooked or completely misunderstood is Temptation.  I refer to it as the “Wilderness Principle,” and in that, we must become aware of the following:

• THE PURPOSE OR WORK OF TEMPTATION.
• HOW TO RECEIVE GOD’S PROMISES.
• HOW TO STAND STEADFAST DURING A PROBLEM.
• HOW TO ENTER INTO GOD’S PROVISIONS.

Again, no small undertaking and without God’s help, impossible!  The Bible teaches that God’s desire for us is conformity with the Person and Image of Christ Jesus our Lord.  He wants us to know, enjoy, and live what I would call full salvation and complete deliverance.  He wants us to enjoy His abundant provisions daily and walk in victory, pulling down strongholds continually. 

Life is a process that begins at birth, progresses through adolescence, and to fullness in adulthood.  Our Spiritual Life and Walk involves numerous tests and encounters that help develop our character and give us a mark, a barometer, and an identity point that enables us to recognize where we stand spiritually.

Hebrews 4:6 informs us, “My people perish for lack of knowledge….”  That is a powerful truth, for if we do not Know God’s Will, we cannot Do God’s Will.  If we do not understand what He is doing, we may resist and rebel when we should be resting and learning.  But, if we understand the Principles of God, we know what to look for and what to do.  Victory comes in understanding and obedience. 

Therefore, James’ exhortation to “…count it all joy when you fall into divers temptations….”  Honestly, that is not difficult. It is impossible Without some understanding of the Purpose of Temptation in our lives and the careful guidance and assistance of the Holy Spirit.

I dare not stop there but will pause in this devotional and pick up in the next more on Temptation’s Purpose and Function in the believer’s life.   

God bless you richly as you embark on this leg of Life’s Journey.