Who I Am In Christ Devotionals

  Therefore, he had to be like his brothers and sisters in every way, so that he could become a merciful and faithful high priest in matters pertaining to God, to make atonement for the sins of the people. For since he himself has suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are tempted. Hebrews 2:17-18 It feels like He's mad at me. I get tempted. And this verse says that I suffer when tempted. Suffer. That means it is trying, testing, difficult. I can't wave my hand and make it go away. But in other scripture He says He will never leave me nor forsake me. He is with me. But it doesn't feel that way. It feels like He's mad at me or not really paying attention. Both are wrong. When I get tempted, it doesn't mean that he's mad nor absent. It's a test. And He is there with me. And it can be so hard to trust that. When that temptation comes, it is important for me to turn to Him, and really, that might feel like the last thing I want to do in that ...

Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.    James 1:12 There are days when I feel like I have no weapon against temptation. I give in over and over. Every worldly sparkle catches my eye. I think it starts because I give in on something I think is small. I let my temper flare. Or I boasted about something. Or I took a quick look when I shouldn't have.  Or I invite Hollywood, or rock and roll in to teach me. I think - I got this. I can turn it off if it gets bad, or I'm not going to behave like the guy in the song.  I don't got this.  And I don't behave just like him. But because I've been listening to it, I want to. And now I'm struggling. And I forget that I invited this in.  Now, I have a fight on my hands. I'm muddy and wounded.  (Yet, He is still with me.) And sometimes, I think - What's the point in fighting, I'm just going to los...

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13 ESV Temptation is not sin. I get tempted. Everyone does. It is part of the fabric of being human, even for believers. And I might think that this temptation is unique to me. That I need to work my way through it in my own way.  That's just my pride. "I got this. No one can help me." When I try to work it, I end up feeling hopeless. Feeling that others can live a victorious Christian life, but not me.  I have year upon year of trying to break through my own temptation and sin.  But wait... He doesn't let me get tempted beyond my ability. "Yes He does!" I secretly think.  I'm wrong. I know, because when I look at how giving in to my sin happened, I see patterns of thought and even "smaller" sins tha...