“But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.” – James 1:14 

Scripture reading: Hebrews 4:14-5:10

Usually, when we think about temptation, we think of the temptation to do immoral things, to commit sexual sin, to steal something we want, or to cheat on a test or on our taxes. But we also face temptations when we suffer, when God doesn’t give us what we want.

It’s not wrong to want our sick child to be healed, or to want our broken marriage or friendship to be restored, or to want relief from the heavy burdens that we carry. Many of the psalms are prayers for that kind of relief. But when those normal and good desires become demands, our desires are luring and enticing us, and leading us into sin.

The temptation that we face when we’re suffering is discontentment, which is really unbelief. We then won’t accept God’s sovereignty in our lives, and that He really is allowed to do whatever He wants with us. It’s not enough for us that God promises that all things work together for good for those who love Him and that He will glorify Himself in our struggles.

When you are tempted by discontentment, remember that you have a High Priest who stands at the right hand of God, to pray for you, a High Priest “who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:15-16).

Suggestions for prayer

Thank God for the gracious ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ on your behalf, and ask the Holy Spirit to help you believe that He has been tempted in every way as you have been, so that He can sympathize with your weaknesses.

Rev. Dick Wynia graduated from the Canadian Reformed Theological Seminary in 1986, and was ordained to the ministry in 1987. He has served four congregations, in Aylmer ON, Calgary AB, Wyoming ON and in Beamsville ON. After almost 37 years in active ministry, he recently became a minister emeritus. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com.