“This is my beloved son in whom I am well pleased.” sounded the Father’s voice.

   Yet he was driven into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil, but consider the Son’s choice.

 You may ask, if Father was well pleased why did the Spirit drive him to such a test and place?

   To fulfill the overcoming walk, to be a fully -tried man to fully run the race.

 Temptation for him did not stop, only for a season did Satan’s tempting cease.

   It would seem to you the righteous one from temptation would be released.

 The truth is, the greater the calling and holier the walk, it becomes more subtle and stronger.

   This can be understood when temptation is seen from our eyes no longer.

 Grace is greater than any present force of temptation towards you.

   You can always meet the lesser with the greater and remain true.

 No one can be an overcomer apart from it, and an overcomer is God’s delight.

   God doesn’t waste anything -  the time of trying is purposeful, to see  if you will do the right.

 In reality temptation is a test of your sense of value, your determination and desire;

   Here to be proven again and again, will you press onward to the goal, or retire?

 Not to be tempted is not to be a man, for all men are tempted.

   The word says it is common to man, so think it not strange that you are not exempted.

 To you it is an unwanted experience, yet you are appointed to continually face it.

   From your Father’s view it isn’t a useless encounter, it is essential for maturity, therefore fit.

 Anything in this natural realm can be fatigued, so any man  can faint in the press.

   Blessed is the one who endures temptation, for a crown of life is his for passing the test.

 Do you only view the negative side of temptation, which is  an enticement to go another way?

    In reality it is an occasion to affirm your love and commitment to God, and Him obey.

 You must understand as God’s child you are not tempted because you are evil or bad;

   Neither is temptation sin, but yielding is, therefore stand and be glad.

 As children of God we are tempted in the way Jesus was, for his brethren we are.

   So we are tempted as He was in the things we possess and are seeking for.

 The world does not possess  promises nor holiness, so they are not tempted to give them up.

   They are not lured from righteousness, but only to more sin, to drink fully of its cup.

 So temptation comes to take what God has promised and  given, and  it will if you won’t stand.

   Do you know the value of that which you have been given from His gracious hand?

 He counts you worthy to be in the fight, in it to reveal that you can overcome in his might.

   Is it not better to fight than to be a prisoner, to have His character and walk in the light?

 Temptation is never greater than you can bear, for God has set its limits.

   He makes a way of escape for you, graces you, so endure it, don’t be fearful or timid.

 Yes, it is true, temptation is a form of suffering for a righteous man, so the scriptures say.

   Indeed there will come a time when it shall cease, in the Lord’s appointed day.

 Father seeks a people of no compromise, determined to have His fullness of life;

   Those who are overcomers by the fight of faith, to be the Lamb’s wife.

 Know that temptation comes both to the weak and to the strongest of heart;

   For we are all tempted in the things God has given -  will we keep them or let them depart?

 Be wise and see that temptation proves the value of righteousness and that God is real;

   If it were not so, there would be no temptation to make an opposite appeal.

 It must be understood, God cannot be tempted, neither does he tempt anyone;

   But he has ordained that the tempter try the heart of  every son.

 The day will come when the tempter the Lord shall remove from us all;

   But today is the day of grace, you are more than a conqueror, so stand tall.

 True worship of God is also expressed in overcoming temptation, this you must see.

   Hold fast, and honor the Lord; his reward is glorious, and great is his love for thee.

 God keeps the one desiring to be kept, the one who yields to His grace.

   Many voices are speaking in these days to allure us away, so run to Him with haste.

 Stay ever so close to the Lord in this hour, for a lying spirit greatly speaks.

   You must be persuaded of truth, and know that the truth keeps.

 Rejoice, for the Lord is making warrior - sons, mature in their walk.

   They have more than just a Bible in hand and mere religious talk.

 They indeed  overcome by what is in their inner man;

   It is truth in their inward parts that overcomes the  tempter’s plan.

 Listen to wisdom’s word, only by a diligent fight shall you win.

   If you are lukewarm, non-committed, not eating of the Lord, you will sin.

 Watch and pray that by temptation you be not over taken.

   Draw nigh to the Lord, and let not His words be forsaken.

 O, it is a proven man in God’s eyes that is the goal or end.

   So may you hear His words - “Well done, come and enter in.”

                                                               John L. Parault

“Blessed is the man that endureth temptation:  for when he is tried he shall receive the crown of life which the Lord hath promised to them that love Him.”   James 1:12

“The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:”  II Peter 2:9

John L. Parault