This is a bottom-line kind of article. I explain the subject in much more detail in the video. I cover the highlights in this article. Read this passage from James chapter 1 closely.
James 1:13 When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14 but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. 1 5Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
16 Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. 17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 18 He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.
James is saying, count it all joy when you're tempted and your faith is tested because it's an opportunity to trust God and develop patience. BUT!! Don't say it's from God. Pretty clear, God doesn't tempt you or create trials for you.
But doesn't God test us? Yes, but not like you think.
Here's how God tests you.
John 6:5 When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward him, he said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?” 6 He asked this only to test him, for he already had in mind what he was going to do.
He tests you to see if you're in faith toward him, not to see if you'll pass an external test.
What about trials that cause suffering? The only kind of suffering God endorses is persecution for preaching the Gospel. God encourages you to remain steady and faithful when you suffer persecution for your faith because it compels you to trust him. As you welcome the persecution of your faith in hostile territories, you have an opportunity to share in Christ's sufferings. If you stay open to the holy spirit, you can experience a deep level of holiness in those moments. The suffering doesn't make you holy; only the blood of Jesus can do that. But when suffering persecution, the holiness you have been given rises from your heart.
External temptation, trials, and tribulation are also an opportunity to trust God and experience the precious holiness you were given, but DON'T SAY IT'S FROM GOD.
1 Corinthians 10:13 adds a bit more clarity.
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 an escape, so that you can stand up under it.
This sounds like God is sending the temptation and the way of escape. But remember, James 1:13 says DON'T SAY IT'S FROM GOD. The Word of God doesn't contradict itself.
1 Corinthians 10:13 is actually a promise. When you are going through difficulty, whether it be temptation or an external trial, God will help you. He will give you strength. He will not leave you on your own.
Contrary to popular belief, this passage does not say, "God won't put more on you than you can bear." I'm sure you have heard that, or maybe even believe that. But that is not what he is saying, as evidenced by James 1:13 - DON'T SAY IT'S FROM GOD.
Overcoming Temptation
Now that we've established that God is not bi-polar, he is not giving you the temptation/trial and the way of escape, let's talk about how to stay strong when your faith is tested.
God will always give you the solution for trials/temptation. Here's the process outlined in James 1.
Patience (strength to endure) - James 1:3
Wisdom (what to do) - James 1:5
His spirit is available (where patience and wisdom come from) - James 1:5
Confidence (not double-mindedness) - James 1:6
PATIENCE + WISDOM = OVERCOMING THE TRYING OF YOUR FAITH
When you're tempted or under a trial, turn to God's spirit within you and allow patience to bear fruit. Patience will eliminate most of your temptations. If you can just want a few minutes, or however long you need to clear your emotions and desires from the forefront, you can make a decision based on wisdom rather than emotion and desire.
Once you've allowed patience to bear fruit in the face of temptation, your heart and mind will be more clear to apply God's instruction, which is wisdom. And God will always respond and lead you into truth.
But there's a warning, don't doubt God's wisdom, be willing to put it into practice to overcome the temptation and trial of your faith. If you allow doubt to take root, don't expect to hear God clearly.
Most people teach that if you have doubt, then God won't give you what you need, but James clarifies, if you have doubt, you won't be able to receive from him because of where you are in your heart toward God.
You don't have to ask God to "give" you anything. All he is and everything he has is in Christ. If Christ is in you, God has already given you everything he has. All the answers to your prayers are in "seed form" through Christ in you. Belief and trust in the character of God are all it takes to see his provision in your life, in any area.
His spirit in you wants to grow into your life and become the things you need, but your heart must entirely rely on him. Don't be double-minded, trusting in the temporary provision. God is unlimited in how he can manifest provision in your life. Believe and trust. Spend time persuading your heart of his character and promises.
Dig deep and allow patience to bear fruit. Ask God for wisdom. And DO IT!
