Paul had a thorn in the flesh. A trial, a problem, something he struggled with. He asked God: “Please, take this away from me.” Silence. He prayed again: “Please, take this away from me” Silence. A third time: “Please, take this away from me.” After the third time, God said no, and here is why. You are better off with this trial, than without it.
James 1:2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;
3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and complete, wanting nothing.”
I really don’t want my current trial, but, what if I go “Through it.” I like that the last two words of verse 4 are, “Wanting nothing.” That sounds good to me. I vote for a life consisting of wanting nothing.
Second, if I want this great life, I must react to trials by #1 Counting the trial all joy.
Third, trials come from God, but temptations are often from satan. We get temptations to sin from three sources. #1 From the world. #2 From satan. #3 From our own lusts.
If it is satan tempting you, your reaction will determine whether he ramps up temptation, or whether, he moves on to the next person. My reaction to satan’s temptations is to refer to Psalm 34:1 I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.” When a tempting thought hits my mind, I say, “Praise the Lord.” Satan hates this reaction, and he moves on to the next person. Many would be shocked to see that temptation falls by 35%, 55%, or even 75% when this strategy is employed.
This is great news. When satan is allowed to control me, I really can’t quit. When I praise the Lord, and he leaves, now quitting is a fair fight. I still have to fight, but now the odds are not stacked against me.
Fourth, I recommended praying:
“Father, help me to be content, and help me to care about souls.”
I have been praying a lot. As I pray about this change, my problem gets smaller, and smaller. As I pray, my God gets bigger, and bigger. He was always big, I just had my eyes on the wrong thing. There is an old hymn, “Turn your eyes upon Jesus.” Consider adding this to your playlist. Maybe it will help you instead of tempting you like some other songs do.
Finally, consider memorizing that you can learn about trials in James One. #2 Consider learning the habit of praise so that you can chase satan away. #3 Consider praying about the top two habits you plan to learn so that you can quit.
Plan, work, praise, quit.
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