Have you ever asked that question?  Do you know of anyone who feels that God tempts them with things?

One of my most favorite books in the Bible is the book of James.  I just love how he tells it like it is.  There is no sugar coating on James’ words in this book!  I was reading tonight in my favorite book, and I read this….

When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; ¹⁴but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. ¹⁵Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. (James 1:13-15)

I am reminded by this verse of an email we got once about the strong temptations that one reader was having in regards to staying pure.   This reader was asking for our help and suggestions for what to do and how to set boundaries.   There are some people in this world who give in to the temptation to have premarital sex and blame this strong desire to have relations with their fiancee’ (or fiance’) on God.  It must be God that is tempting me to defile my future marriage bed.   Why would God tempt me with sex when I know that he wants me to remain pure?   Dear one, it isn’t God that is tempting you.  It is Satan.   Take a look at the verse again.  James tells us that God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone.   So why do we blame it on God?

Because it is what Satan is telling us to do.

Remember back in the Garden of Eden….Eve was tempted, not by God, but by the serpent, who twisted God’s words around to make Eve believe what she wanted to believe, not what God told her.   Why wouldn’t that wiley snake still be doing that to us today?

Look at all the non-believers who tell us on a daily basis, “If there is a God, why does he let this happen?”  It’s because we don’t believe in Him anymore…we have been given our own free will.   God is always there.  Whether or not we choose to include God in our choices is also our free will,  but God doesn’t ever leave or forsake us.

Is it God’s fault that I didn’t save myself for my husband?  Nope.  That would be my own bad choices.  I was “dragged away and enticed” by my own evil desires.  The desire gave birth to sin when I acted on it.  God wanted me to save myself…he told me so in the Bible, but I chose to sin.

The next time you feel that temptation to do something that the Holy Spirit is telling you “NO!”, don’t listen to Satan who is only going to drag you down and drag you away from God.   Look to God, reach out to God and seek his wisdom in all your decisions.   Even though temptations may be so very strong and irresistible, remember God’s words…

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 a way out so that you can stand up under it.  (1 Corinthians 10:13)

Who will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear?  God.  Who will pull you out when you think you’re at your bursting point?  God.   So when Satan comes a knockin’ with all guns blazing, and you think you cannot possibly turn away, remember that God is there.  No porn, no sin is greater than God.  Look to him to help you out.  He’ll be there every time.