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Direct my steps by your Word, and let no iniquity have dominion over me. Psalm 119:132
Hey, it’s Friday and boy am I thankful as I’m sure you are too! Grab your journal, something soothing to drink, ears to hear, eyes to see and a heart to receive what God’s word has for us today. We’re going to talk about the three T’s: Trials, Tests and Temptations!
The challenge of being a believer is that we face the 3 T’s every day and resisting them is a very important part of our life. God does not promise that we will never be tempted, but that when we are, He will provide a way of escape. The 3 T’s are set up with the purpose of inflicting an intense pressure. Often they can come right after a time of great joy or even small victories.
There have been times I have tossed and turned at night, wondering how and why I’ve allowed these things to work their way into my thoughts and into my dreams and cross over into my daily living! It starts to feel like I’m in a batting cage struggling to hit the balls being fired at me and it gets exhausting. And then how easy for iniquity to sneak in…in fact, and for the most part, it can be pretty blatant!! And right there…in that very moment…right smack in our spiritual faces, that’s where the spiritual battle begins! In that exact moment, keeping our faith means everything!
We can ask ourselves can I believe God in the 3 T’s and know God’s got this, or should I believe what I see based on the day-to-day advice that the world screams at you and me? We either choose to stand polarized, or we move forward, but moving forward often feels as though we have to go against everything that feels natural within us.
In the trails, tests and temptations to not believe God’s word can breed havoc in our lives. Let me simply remind you that when things aren't going the way you think they should and you're facing a test by which temptation comes to you, learn to watch how you respond to it.
Just as we prepare for a plan of escape from a fire in our home, so we too need to execute a plan of escape spiritually in order not to be engulfed. "But how do you do that?" you ask. The keys are so simple yet powerful enough to push you through the 3 T’s: Pray by meditating on and using the Word of God Psalm 119:11. Create an accountability network, someone you trust to stand with you and remember, count it not strange when these things happen to you.1 Peter 4:12. Paul reassures us in 1 Corinthians 10:13 that no temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.”
Oh Hallelujah, that promise should truly encourage our hearts and help us do the happy dance! When the trials come, turn to the Word. When the tests come, turn to your Father in prayer. When the temptations’ come – and they will --take up the shield of faith by daring to trust God no matter how the fiery darts may be whooshing towards you. Look to Christ, the faithful One who will encourage, support and develop you into a mighty warrior. Persevere in your faith. Understand that God has a purpose and we must trust God for that purpose.
Romans 5: 1-5 simply sums it up that faith triumphs in tribulation because tribulation produces perseverance, character; and hope; hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts.
Have a mighty weekend...for you ARE an over-comer of all three of the T’s!! Remember to keep Him close to your heart.
Love Deb
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