The Reward in Resisting

I heard about a pastor who was making a hospital visit and parked his car in a no-parking zone because he couldn’t find a parking space. He circled around multiple times, but finally he had to stop so he could go and see the person who had requested him. He decided to write a note and place it under his windshield wiper in case a police officer came along. The note said, "I have circled the block ten times. I have an appointment to keep." Then, thinking of a Scripture verse, the pastor wrote, "Forgive us our trespasses."

When he returned, he was surprised to find a ticket under the windshield wiper. At the bottom of the ticket, a note read, "I have circled this block for ten years. If I don’t give you a ticket, I’ll lose my job." The note ended with a Scripture quotation as well: "Lead us not into temptation."

Everyone gets tempted, including ministers. No one enjoys being tempted. In fact, we probably would prefer that temptation didn’t exist at all. But the Bible says there is actually a blessing in getting through temptation. James 1:12 says, "God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him."

This verse tells us that temptation can be endured: "God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation." There is no such thing as a temptation that is too hard to resist. God will allow only what you can handle (see 1 Corinthians 10:13).

It is hard to be tempted, but when you resist and get through it, that is a great victory. In fact, there is a reward waiting. There is a blessedness when you have come through times of temptation.