Temptation to sin is painful to us only as we are sanctified by the Spirit of grace, and walk with God.
We ought not to wish for deliverance from trial until the trial has done its office. Shall the gold be taken out of the furnace before the dross has been consumed?
Faith’s expectation in the day of trouble is large showers of blessing.
Sorrow and temptation (Pet. 1:6.7).
Confidence in God proves itself in time of Trial; it grows in the day of battle. David, in the valley of Elah, was most bold when the giant cursed him, and drew nigh to slay him.
God has blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: we have oneness with Christ; we have faith and the Spirit: what more, then, do we need but the Trial of Faith and the Spirit’s fellowship?
If we have a steadfast purpose to overcome temptation, sooner or later we surely prevail. Abraham, through the weakness of the flesh, did not leave his father when God commanded him to go into the land of Canaan; but it was his steadfast purpose to obey God; so that at the last, when he offered up Isaac, he conferred not with flesh and blood.
Are we content to leave our cause in the hands of God? Job should have done this at the first; but by justifying himself he increased his trouble.
James 1:2. “Count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations.” There is grace in Christ for our fulfilling the precept.
If, being tried, I am entangled in unbelief, I cannot count my Trial joy; so to do, I must by the Spirit’s power resist the Tempter.