ENDURESpeaker: Dr. D.G.S. Dhinakaran Gist: God will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him (James 1:12)
From where do temptations come?
Our Lord Jesus Christ says, "In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)
The world is full of temptations and whatever is common to all men happens to all of us. However, most of us lament, “I am all alone going through such temptations and tribulations.” Temptations and tribulations come to all alike as long as we live.
No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it (1 Corinthians 10:13)
From where do temptations come?
But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed (James 1:14).
For all that is in the world; the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life; is not of the Father but is of the world. (1 John 2:16; Galatians 5:17)
There lives a famous eye surgeon in Chennai. One day his relatives came seeking me and requested me, “Brother please visit him.” The reason as to why they came running to me was that everyday he administered drugs through injections and could only function with the help of drugs. His nervous system became very weak. His body trembled so much so that he could perform any operation only after administering drugs. Finally he came to a conclusion that he would consume poison and die. While he was about to do so, at the fraction of the eleventh second something struck his mind saying, “ People say that there is someone named Dhinakaran. I have heard people say that God speaks to him directly. Let me see who is this Dhinakaran and then die.”
He came and saw me. I told him, “Brother, please do not be afraid. I will pray for you. This desire will leave you now. However, tomorrow at the same time when you used to take drugs your body would crave for it and shiver. At that time call me for prayer or ask your beloved wife to pray for you.” He said, “I do not know how to pray” I told his wife “Just ask the Lord to help your husband overcome this temptation.” With great joy he threw all the drugs and returned home.
The next day the desire was not there but when the time came for injecting the drug he was tempted to do so. His hands began to shiver. Immediately he called his wife and said, “Call brother or you pray for me.” That woman placed both her hands on her husband and said, “Lord! Please help my husband to overcome this temptation.”
“The Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations and to reserve the unjust under punishment for the day of judgment” (2 Peter 2:9).
The Lord heard her prayer and delivered him completely. Today he continues his profession as a famous eye surgeon living a testimonial life without any desire for drugs.
Prayer
Heavenly Father,
You have already told that there would be trials and tribulations in this world and that being Your child I am expected to overcome temptations in Your name. Strengthen and enlighten me to overcome the powers of darkness – the lust of flesh, lust of eyes and the pride of life. Help me endure in Your holy name and finally receive the crown that You have in store for me.
In Jesus’ name I pray
Amen |