TRIALS AND TEMPTATIONS

Personally, this topic resonates with me for it has summed up my 2018. We will be using James 1. The entire chapter is self explanatory. i was just going to pick verses but I realized that everything in the verse is important. After this teaching, I will advise that we all go back and read the entire chapter one by one.

What are trials and temptations?
Trials are challenges that come to us in our walk as Christians. Trails can also mean a test in preparation for something bigger. When football clubs want to sign amateur players, they first invite them for trials. New drugs also get to go through trails to prove that they are effective for the purpose for which they were created. If the drugs passes the trial, it blows. If not, it becomes another failed invention.

Temptations are things that are attractive but are not good for us, basically.

Trials are trainings in preparation for a new level. Without examinations, students wont move to a new level in school. As growing Christians, these examinations are important for us to move to new levels in our walk with Christ.

James 1:2- My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

The goal is to come out better and and learn patience, to also come out better in strength, capacity and knowledge. Periods of trails are periods of deep devotion. It is a time to invest more in our spiritual lives and see beyond the trial.

We must always see Jesus. It is important.

Note this: Temptations does not mean that you are careless or carnal, it shows that you are human.  Even the most anointed of men of God go through these things too


What to do in moments of trials and temptations.

1. Stay confident in the Lord. The unassailable belief that Jesus is at the center of it all! Let it be shown all over you that Jesus reigns. Even if you fell and people saw you, don't let them criticise you. It is between you and God ultimately. Just find a way to go back to God as a penitent child and pour out your heart. His arms are always open to welcome you.

I like Psalm 71 and it is a good chapter for this. My personal style is to have a conversation with God.

2. Keep pleasing God, remember when Jesus said if you love me, you will keep my commandments. Trials are also to teach you obedience, stay obedient. Work out your salvation deliberately.

3. Do not sin, avoid sinning. That thing when people push you to want to react or you are about to yield to temptation, do not fall for it. See Ephesians 4:26- 'Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath.'

4. Affirm scriptures. Confess and declare scriptures you know and read new ones. Personally, I claim many scriptures at this point but there are some that God told me about myself personally. I affirm them and declare them true. One verse God gave me in 2014 is Isaiah 54:10. Another fav scripture is Romans 8: 28. Look at that fact! We know that all things, ALL things work together for good to them that love God(US), to them who are called according to his purpose.(US again)
Such Peace

I believe that these steps can help us overcome challenges, trials and take us to the next level.

5. Keep Bearing Fruits. Galatians 5:22-23 The fruit of the spirit:
1. Love (Love everyone)
2. Joy (Be joyful, radiate God's joy, joy unspeakable)
3. Peace (Be peaceful, follow peace with ALL men)
4. Longsuffering (This one, you have to be able to suffer long, endure hardship)
5. Gentleness (Be gentle)
6. Goodness (be good, just be good to people, no bargaining)
7. Faith (this is an entire teaching but EXERCISE faith and be faithful)
8. Meekness (Be meek and humble)
9. Temperance (Be temperate, moderation is important in all you do)
 I will add one, Bring forth fruits of repentance. Matthew 3:8

6. - Rejoice. Look at 1 Peter 4: 12-13. 13 says rejoice even in trials.
- Give thanks. 1 Thessalonians 5: 18 says In EVERYTHING, Give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

7. Stay Positive. Romans 12:21 says Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good. Dont let enemies change you, show them love regardless. Don't let unbelievers ruin your relationship with the holy spirit.

Sample trials and temptations
 Illnesses, anger, lust, grief, ridicule, reproach, harassment, lack, disappointment, failure,  rejection,
death of loved ones

Conclusion
Trials teach obedience and patience, trials are meant to make us better as Christians. Trials help us reaffirm God's promises. When God rescues us from floods, we begin to believe more and become more assured. We become more mature.

One thing I learnt personally, the trials wont reduce as we grow. Rather, they become bigger and we learn new ways of surviving them. We grow in capacity.