To walk the straight and narrow path is not easy when you are surrounded by the world. James says “Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” – Jas. 1:12. As God’s people walk through the modern equivalents of Egypt, or Jerusalem, or Rome, they encounter opposition to their lifestyles and message. This is the trial, the time to persevere, and it’s a natural part of being holy and righteous for God. Being given free will means God has given us the power and responsibility to choose His will. At the moment we are faced with the choice to do right or wrong, that is a trial.

Temptations are Satan’s way of getting man to do the opposite of persevering. Christians are tempted to quit, give up, and to make an otherwise sinful choice that is contrary to the will of God. When a Christian is confronted by the enemies of God for confessing Jesus, that is a trial. The temptation is then presented that if you deny Christ, you will save yourself a lot of headache and pain.

Fear is a weapon of Satan. He uses intimidation and threat to get Christians to compromise and choose the easy path. Matthew 10:32,33 Says not to deny Christ or He will deny you before the Father in heaven. Jesus says, “Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” – Mt. 10:28. See, God does not save us from trials. We would have to be out of the world not to experience them. Trials are unavoidable, so be careful in them to resist the temptation to do disobey God.

When we are tempted, don’t give in because that’s not God’s will. Satan uses various enticements like sensuality or appeals to our vanity, and by general lying to get us to do the opposite of God’s will. Instead of looking for the comfortable and pleasurable path when we are tempted, look for the path that God provides. That’s how you persevere under trial. Paul says to do this. “No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.” – 1 Cor. 10:13. Trials are the times we are tested in our faith. Will we look for God’s path or will we follow the temptation which means Satan’s path?

And when you are living the Christian life, remember the words of Christ, “pray that you may not be led into temptation.”

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