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Keep your eyes on the prize, and leave temptations in the dust!
In the face of almost any obstacle or adversity, it benefits us to press onward for God's glory. With that said it is a great idea, and of particular encouragement, to remember that all your brothers and sisters in Christ are out there facing similar struggles and trials just as you are. The positive thing about this, is that we essentially learn, we are not alone by any means and we can even seek help and accountability partnerships from those that also seek to obey God with a sincere heart. This is reminded to us by the verse located in 1 Peter 5:9. (See V*1). I cannot speak for everyone, but I think that this simple fact helps me to keep things in their proper perspective. Particularly when it comes to temptations, as this verse is alluding to in context, we should not give into the schemes of the Devil.
As a matter of fact, the very next verse, tells us how in a relatively short while, God not only helps us to resist but restores our strength and steadfastness. (See V*2). We are obliged to endure as much as we can through a combination of prayer, and a proactive seeking of God's will, there is no doubt that He will always provide us with a form of escape. (See V*3). God knows us better than anyone else, and as a result will never allow for us to be tempted beyond what we are capable of bearing. Keep that in mind when you feel like giving in because it feels like too much of a burden, or the stronghold is too big. The truth is the stronghold is never too big for God to take care of on our behalf, as long as we are sincere and faithful in our attitude and approach to get rid of the sins in question from our lives. We need not rely on our own strength, because that as we've discussed in prior articles, always sets us up for failure. (See V*4).
Remember, do not be harsh on yourself in the midst of struggle, because God – understanding us the way He does – will extend mercy to us when we sincerely seek his forgiveness and attempt to renounce and repent from our sinful behaviors. (See V*5). In this verse we also observe how when we suffer, it truly touches God's heart because Jesus Christ suffered Himself and was also tempted, albeit more severely.
We need to confide that God has divine reasoning for situations of suffering, temptation, and difficulty to present themselves to us. There are many reasons I feel that this occurs, one of which is the fact that (at least as far as trials are concerned) we need to be refined and prepared before we are entrusted and prepared to handle more responsibility in our lives as Christians. Many times we will find ourselves ready in our own minds to face the next mission, but God hasn't deemed us ready quite yet. On the one hand there are times where we will meet resistance [from the principalities of darkness namely], particularly when we attempt to obey God's divine plans in our lives, but it is a different type of obstacle all-together when God knows we are not yet ready. In the case of evil impeding us, it is important to note that it can only happen to the extent which God allows. The moment that God says enough is enough, especially when we rely on Him, He will move mountains in our favor. The best thing to do in these sorts of intricate and delicate circumstances, is to humble ourselves in [effective] prayer before God, and ask Him to enlighten us with the information we need to proceed under His providence [not outside of it].
Keeping God at the focal point is a key component of humbling ourselves in accordance with His providence, trusting that He will provide for our well-being. It is also vital in evading the sorts of temptations and overcoming the obstacles that we face on a day-to-day basis, no matter how insurmountable they might seem on the surface. As far as keeping our “eyes on the prize”, we need to remember that in line with Romans 8:28, God always works things out for good to those that love Him and are called to live in His purpose. (See V*6).
If you are reading this and still have questions as to why God allows suffering or obstacles to present themselves despite us seeking Him whole-heartedly, you may want to check out this article: http://www.goodnewsjim.com/FSS/articles/jim_suffer2.html . Certainly it doesn't answer all the questions that may come up, but there is no shame in not understanding the entirety of God's purposes. As a matter of fact, it is probably impossible, other than perhaps through His divine revelation to us to fully comprehend why things happen the way they do. Remember, God is not only omnipotent (all-powerful), but also omniscient (all-knowing). We may not be able to fathom the entirety of what He does, but as long as we remain faithful and loyal to Him (despite not fully understanding the reason) we will be effectively honoring Him.
I should also mention that Jim's article is also located in our book – available now on Lulu, Amazon, & eBay. Thank you all who have generously supported the site through the purchase of this book. I hope you all found this article to be of help in your walk with God, and I hope to continue to deliver them as frequently as I can. As always please feel free to let Jim or myself know any questions/comments/concerns you may have in reference to the site. Our e-mail is [email protected]. We treat it very seriously, and will respond to you in a timely manner.
-Victor Nunez
Biblical References:
V*1- “Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.” 1 Peter 5:9( NIV)
V*2- “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” 1 Peter 5:10 (NIV)
V*3- “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 (NIV)
V*4- “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding” Proverbs 3:5 (NIV)
V*5- “For this reason he had to be made like his brothers in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. 18 Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.”Hebrews 2:17-18 (NIV)
V*6- “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28 (NIV)
External Links:
http://www.seekgod.org/compassion/chap2.html
Description: Here is another noteworthy page, that I stumbled upon today, that serves to elaborate further based on scripture on why some [if not all of us] have been called to suffer to some degree.