I know it probably sounds crazy, but when you make your list of things you’re grateful for this Thanksgiving, I suggest adding temptation. Not because temptation is super wonderful and we all enjoy it, but because of what temptation can help us remember. Because of what it can show us.
Not convinced? Well, here’s 3 reasons to be thankful for temptation:
1) Temptation helps us grow.
James 1:2-3 says, My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. When we go through temptation, we learn more about trust, grace, and forgiveness. Trusting God to help us through. Leaning on His magnificent grace. Finding comfort in His boundless forgiveness. We also learn the importance of extending forgiveness to others when they succumb to temptation. And we can share our mistakes to help others keep from repeating them.
2) God gives us a way out of temptation.
1 Corinthians 10:13 says, There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. When Satan tempts us, God doesn’t just leave us to figure it out on our own. He’s there with us every second. Even provides us an out. That’s God’s love in action.
3) Jesus faced temptation.
In Luke 4:1-13, Satan tempted Jesus in the wilderness. Of course, Jesus, being perfect, didn’t succumb to temptation. But because He went through it, we can trust that He understands what we’re going through. Hebrews 4:14-16 says, Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Jesus isn’t a faraway deity, too distant to understand our trials. He understands because He went through the same thing. We don’t have to worry about going to Him because He welcomes us. He wants us to come to Him when we need help. And He’ll offer us forgiveness when we fail.
Final Thoughts
I think we’ll find that even in the midst of hardships, there are blessings to be found. Temptation is no different. Yes, it’s hard. It can throw you for a loop. Ruin a perfectly good day. But temptation reminds us of the grace of God. Of His forgiveness. And of His unfailing love.
Can you think of any other reasons? Let me know in the comments.
