Corona Devo 443

What does "temptation" look like? And do we recognize it (and it's malicious intent) when it presents itself?

Satan is tricky. I have to give him that...

He said to the woman, “Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?” –Genesis 3:1

Temptation always pushes on our pride/our desires/our wants, and that's because (just by being human) we are most vulnerable in these areas.

And so, I ask again: What does "temptation" look like? And do we recognize it when it presents itself?

We want to villainize "temptation" and put red lipstick and a bikini on it, or big muscles, or a dollar sign with six-digits.

But would you recognize "temptation" if it showed up as an invitation to free ice cream with friends?

Unless you are a 14-year-old boy, probably not. But that is exactly how "temptation" came knocking on our door last night.

Our boys (12 and 14 years old) have been leading a Bible study once-a-week after school. Nothing fancy or complicated, just sharing God's word and love in simple ways to middle schoolers (a group desperately searching for their identity).

Our oldest had spent a couple hours on his presentation for the next meeting. It was a heavy topic, but one that God had laid on his heart and that He wasn't shying away from. He finished the slideshow, and we talked for a while about the privilege but also the responsibility of sharing God's word to others. It's a heavy job, but he was ready.

Just then he received a text about an ice cream reward trip for another group he's in. In his words, the entire year has been all "all work and no play" for this other group, but ironically, their one afternoon of fun was scheduled at the same time as the Bible study.

What does "temptation" look like? And do we recognize it when it presents itself?

Satan is tricky. I have to give him that...Few things in life excite our oldest child like food and friends.  He loves both.  

There is no doubt that he deserves the ice cream reward trip, and he's earned a celebration with friends. 

But God had scheduled an appointment on his calendar long before the ice cream social came along.  This was a temptation.

Weeks earlier he had felt a strong call to restart this Bible study after all of the Covid shut-downs.  He recruited two advisors, asked permission from the principal, booked a classroom, made flyers and he invites students daily on the announcements.  

God blatantly tells us to share His word with others (Therefore go and make disciples of all nations...and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. ~Matthew 28:19-20) but do not think for a moment that Satan doesn't notice what we are up to.

We had family discussion and prayer about the ice cream/Bible study conflict.  Our son felt stressed and frustrated, and I knew that this wasn't really just ice cream conflicting with another after school meeting.  We were in a spiritual battle.

But...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. ~I Corinthians 10:13

He texted his friends to ask if they would consider moving the ice cream reward trip to the next day? If they (and the advisor) agreed--great, and if they didn't, then he would teach the Bible lesson anyway. But he was hoping for a way out so that he could enjoy ice cream.

He needn't have worried. The other students (and Jesus) moved the ice cream party. God provided a way out so that (he could) endure it.

Will we face temptation when we are serving the Lord? You better believe it. And if you are experiencing persecution or temptation, then you are most likely doing something right in God's name.

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. ~James 1:12

At 14 years old, it is hard to understand that life can get better than free ice cream and friends, but if we choose to commit to serving God, we have a far deeper reward in store: the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.

Satan is tricky, I'll give him that. He watches for our weaknesses and dives right in. We have to go through life with our spiritual eyes open.

What will "temptation" look like for us today? Only time will tell, but if it can be disguised as ice cream, it can be disguised as anything.

Blessings,

sarah

https://sarahsundy04.blogspot.com