"Experiencing God's Best
Why is it that personal victories are usually followed by a season of testing and temptation? First let me say, there are two kinds of tests in our lives (James 1:12-14). One is of an evil nature that entices us to do evil; and the other is good, and its purpose is to develop character, growth, and maturity. In Achan's case, in Joshua chapter 6, temptation was designed to offer him early what God was planning to give him later on. He reached out to grab riches, probably believing if he didn't, he'd never have anything. That seems to be the Biblical pattern of temptation (read Luke 4).
For example, if you're single and God promises you a relationship with someone, Satan will usually arrange an encounter that appears to be a match made in heaven, but if you accept it, will prove out in the end to be painful and wrong. That's what premarital sex is... it's experiencing a physical relationship outside of marriage, then discovering the hurt and devastation it causes, rather than waiting patiently and faithfully for the person God has ordained for you. I'm learning from counseling people that just because a woman is available doesn't mean shes the one for you. Just because a job opens up doesn't necessarily mean that that's the job for you. Giving place to temptation is an unwillingness to wait on God's time and, in our impatience, we take second best. Remember, Satan doesn't act, he reacts. If he thinks God has an established plan for you, he'll offer you something that looks like God's best, but is really second best.
Temptation is nothing more than a shortcut for Satan to offer you now what God is planning to give you later on. You'll hear people say, 'God is doing quick work today. There is quick growth in Christ. There are quick results in the Kingdom.' Listen, we'll always be offered shortcuts. Let me suggest three simple things that I see as crucial to our resisting seasons of temptation:
1. The need for patience - Hebrews 10:36. '...You have need of patience.' If you're in a hurry, you're in the wrong kingdom.
2. The need for steadfastness - Galatians 5:1. You weren't saved, healed, or freed on your own, so don't assume you can now stand on your own.
3. The need for focus - Hebrews 12:15. Look unto Jesus. Let Him be the decision-maker when it comes to what you need and how you grow.
Ron Mehl