Tues...Nov. 26, 2019 | A Camouflaged Form of Temptation

Hello everyone…and a very “Happy Tuesday” to you! I hope that your day is off to a good start! It’s a beautiful day here, as I woke up to a winter wonderland of frosted trees this morning! Praise God…for the beauty He shows us each day!
Last night…before going to bed, I decided to spend a few extra moments with God. Many times, I like to just take hold of a Bible verse or two before going to sleep. As I thumbed through my study bible…the one that has truly become a survival manual to me over the years; God led me to a verse in I Corinthians 10:13, which reads… “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. 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 endure it.”
After reading this verse…I was seeking God, as to why He had led me to that particular Bible verse…and this is what He shared with my heart… “The temptation to be drawn into the direction of evil’s control doesn’t only happen through sin; but there is another form of temptation that can draw us into a circumstance…to the place, where the circumstance ends up having control over God.”
Have you ever had something happen to you out of the blue…and as you became more focused on every detail of that problem…it only increased with strength? To me, it’s as if Satan is fishing for souls…souls that can be caught through moments of weakness…and what he does; is camouflages an affliction, while temptation attempts to draw us to the bait he has awaiting us. When we allow this form of temptation to take hold of us; then it’s as if we also take hold of the bait…and before we know it, we have been dragged away from a powerful God…One who can free us from these moments…to become controlled even more by Satan.
As I continue to serve God, through difficult times…I have come to see these moments, as Satan’s attempt, to remove me from what God has led me to do. I would say that about 6 months ago…I began to experience severe pain in my right shoulder, which I never had in my life. There was no injury…and it just seemed to come out of nowhere. It was so bad at times; that I was struggling to get rest…or even write. It seemed that the more I became focused on the pain…it would increase in strength; then one day…I just let it go…even though the pain was difficult to handle at times. Within a short time of letting go…the pain left too…and why? Because I chose to let go of the control that Satan was attempting to have on my life…to return back to what God had called me to do. I’m not saying that all illnesses result in this way; but I am saying that the temptation always seems to be there, as a means of drawing us further and deeper, into these moments of despair. I truly believe that what we perceive…we will receive. In other words…if we are focused on God, during these difficult times; then we will receive His very best, from all the benefits He holds within Himself…but when we choose to go in the direction of “hook, line and sinker;” then we are only allowing Satan to finish what he began…and I don’t know about you; but I would rather reap God’s very best; then continue on down a path of despair.
Well…I need to go for now…but I have truly enjoyed our visit this morning…and I pray that these words that God has laid upon my heart to write, will truly take hold of your hearts and minds, as you continue to journey through life.
Have a great Tuesday…and many, many blessings on your day!
It’s Always & Only Because of Him…
Diane
​