Its not the devil's FAULT!

  In this walk with Christ there will be many instances in which the devil will tempt you to partake in an activity that is attractive to you but may be morally wrong. 

These instances don't arise to show how weak we are but they arise to show how strong we are in our walk with Christ. In the book of Job satan was looking for something to do and presented himself before the Lord. To give satan a challenge, the Lord presented Job as a person for satan to tempt. Satan was convinced that his form of temptations and devastation would destroy Job's relationship with God. However, God had great confidence that Job would continue to love Him in spite of his turmoil. If you read the book of Job, Job lost everything and heard faulty teachings from family and friends; yet, he made the decision to stay committed to his love for God. 

Can God have that much confidence in our walk with him? Do we profess one thing to entice the hears of those around us and then secretly live a dishonest life?  This week, I read about a well known pastor speaking on an affair and how it affected his family and thoughts of living. The spoken words were heartbreaking because there were a lot of excuses, no accountability, and in the end it it was the devil's fault.  I'm not that old, I haven't traveled the world, but what I do know is the devil does not make us do what we don't want to do. If you read 1 Peter 5:8 the scripture informs us to be aware because the devil is coming to tempt us. 

I've been there when the devil would entice me with things that distracted me from seeing what was right. I gave my thoughts and desires over to what I thought I wanted, and yes, I gave in to the devil's temptation. We live a life of free will in which we are capable of choosing a choice that feels good to us. The devil is not holding us hostage until we partake. No, his goal is to divert our thoughts and desires away from our walk by dangling something sparkly and enticing in front of our view. In those moment we make the choice to give in or like a counselor told me years ago-don't take the bait! 

Now, if you do take the bait and your sin becomes exposed, OWN UP TO IT! We are human and our flesh will revert back to sin without God (meaning we can't put God down for a split second)! Being exposed is a vulnerable space to live in but take that moment as a time to hide under the shadow of the almighty. Humble thyself, fall on your face and pray, and ask God to show you how to grow to where he needs you to be!

I love God because he loves us more than we love ourselves. He has given us an opportunity to get our selves together, repent, and get back on the right path. 

Scriptures referenced in the blog: 1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Job 1 :6-12

6 Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan came also among them.

7 And the Lord said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the Lord, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.

8 And the Lord said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?

9 Then Satan answered the Lord, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought?

10 Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land.

11 But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face.

12 And the Lord said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the Lord.