In the midst of hard times, we have tendencies as humans to think that God is testing us by throwing a little evil into the mix of our lives just to teach us a lesson or “get back” at us for our own disobedience. I have actually been told that by some influential Christian people in my time on earth. 

But Pastor James gives us a different perspective. He begins by reminding us that prosperity is short-lived and not something to count on. In these days of job loss and trying to pay the bills, we look for more prosperous days, but is that to be our focus? God will meet your needs, NOT your wants, but will meet your needs, if you trust fully in him while focusing relentlessly on His will and plan. Been there, done that. Still doing it.

Pastor James then brings us to another point of learning that we all must grasp…God is not the one tripping us up. With everything that God is…evil is NOT in God’s nature. Here’s how James explains it;

“Anyone who meets a testing challenge head-on and manages to stick it out is mighty fortunate. For such persons loyally in love with God, the reward is life and more life.” James 1, Msg

“Don’t let anyone under pressure to give in to evil say, ‘God is trying to trip me up.’ God is impervious to evil, and puts evil in no one’s way. The temptation to give in to evil comes from us and only us. We have no one to blame but the leering, seducing flare-up of our own lust.” James 1, Msg

Tell us how you really feel, Pastor James! Yes, I think that is quite clear. So don’t fall for the blame game of why things are happening. Just stay loyal to God and get through it. He will help you! He is not out to “get you”!

One more thing to remember….

“Lust get pregnant, and has a baby: sin! Sin grows up to adulthood, and becomes a real killer.” James 1, Msg

Where LIFE and more LIFE comes from…

“So, my very dear friends, don’t get thrown off course. Every desirable and beneficial gift comes out of heaven. The gifts are rivers of light cascading down from the Father of Light. There is nothing deceitful in God, nothing two-faced, nothing fickle. He brought us to life using the true Word, showing us off as the crown of all his creatures.” James 1, Msg

Stuff of life happens. Don’t blame God. Look up to God! And the God of heaven will forgive and help you through it all. How encouraging to be called the “crown of his creatures”! Are we living like we know that and believe that? 

Dear Heavenly Father, Forgive us when we have blamed you for our own mistakes in judgement, our times of giving in to lust and desires to have our own way. Forgive us when we whine about what we don’t have by losing focus on You and what you have given us. You have turned our heads around with your Word this morning, once again, to look more fully and intently into your face.

“And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
in the light of your beauty and grace.”

In Jesus Name, Amen
PS, It’s not your fault! I don’t blame you, Lord. Now, let’s move on…to Life on Your terms