James 1:2-4

“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 entire, wanting nothing. ”

By definition, divers means an indefinite number more than one.

It may seem strange that the Bible tells us to “count it all joy” when we face an indefinite number of temptations. But it is not so strange when you consider the reason or purpose behind the multiple temptations we face on a daily basis.

According to this same scripture, the trying of our faith amplifies and increases our patience.

By definition, patience is the capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble, or suffering without getting angry or upset.

We need patience to successfully navigate life. Once patience is abounding in our lives we can handle every situation we finds ourselves in. Patience will also keep us from falling into bad situations.

Let’s look at temptation. The Bible says we are tempted when we are draw away with our own lusts and enticed (James 1:14). We will never be tempted by things that don’t interest or intrigue us. It is those things that pique our curiosity or the things we have already tasted of and found enjoyment in. That is what we are drawn to. Those things that we have already concluded to be detrimental to our well being in one fashion or another. These are the things we lust after. They are also the things that can destroy us if we continue to give into the temptation.

We serve a great God. A God who promised that with every temptation there is also a way of escape (1 Corinthians 10:13). Patience is needed to look for the way of escape, rather than giving into the temptation. We have to patiently endure until the way of escape is has been revealed or is visible to us. Once it is visible we must love God enough to take the escape route and avoid the temptation.

Eventually, patience will be so well developed in us, that we can avoid putting ourselves in tempting situations. You will begin to appreciate the feeling of deliverance and freedom to the point where you do not want to jeopardize it for the fleeting enjoyment derived from falling to the things you used to lust after.

Patience has a perfect work. It causes you to be whole in God, without feeling you are “missing” things from the life you used to live. Now you are complete in God, no longer desiring the things from your past.

Remind yourself you can experience that old familiar pull without actually giving into it. You can remove yourself from the situation until you are stronger. But do not despise your self or other people when you are tempted. Rather recognize it as the opportunity for a growth of your patience. Trust that God would not put more on you than you are able to bear (1 Corinthians 10:13), and look for the way of escape.

By definition, joy is a feeling of great pleasure and happiness.

It may seem strange, but it is also true – we are to be happy when we are tempted. The pleasure and happiness comes from the knowledge that you are not getting ready to fall, but it is from knowing that God thinks enough of you to try you. He has confidence in you, that you will rejoice and look for the way of escape, thereby pleasing him. You have been positioned for success, not failure.

If you find yourself in a situation where you feel overwhelmed and have every intention of giving into your temptation. This situation is not from God. You need to cry out to God for help immediately, and flee the situation as quickly as possible. Understand that if you want help, and are ready to receive it, God is there to give it. But you have to sincerely ask for it.

Understand that God has a will and a purpose for your life. Trust him to reveal that plan and purpose to you.

Be blessed and keep on seeking God. If you seek him, you shall surely find him!