“When tempted, no one should say, ‘God is tempting me.’ For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone.” – James 1:13 (NIV)
We’ve all felt it-the pull to do something we know we shouldn’t. Whether it’s lashing out in anger, indulging a secret habit, or crossing a moral line, temptation knocks on everyone’s door. But when we fall, it’s easy to look for someone to blame. “God made me this way,” we say. “If He didn’t want me to fall, He could’ve stopped me.” James confronts that head-on: It’s not God’s fault.
Temptation doesn’t come from God-it comes from within. A holy God cannot be tempted by evil, and He certainly doesn’t bait His children into failure. God’s goal is to make us holy, not to trip us up. When temptation comes, it’s not a trap set by God-it’s a reflection of desires in us that need to be surrendered. That doesn’t make us hopeless; it just makes us human.
This truth should sober us and free us at the same time. Sober us-because we must take responsibility for our choices. Free us-because we’re not battling a God who’s against us, but trusting a God who’s for us. He provides a way out (1 Corinthians 10:13). He strengthens us to resist. He never shames us for being tempted but invites us to grow through it.
So the next time you’re struggling with temptation, remember this: God is not the enemy in your battle. He’s your ally. Stop blaming and start leaning-on His Word, His Spirit, and His grace to overcome.
Prayer:
Father, thank you for being holy and trustworthy. Help me to stop blaming you for my struggles and start owning my choices. When temptation comes, remind me that you are with me and that you always provide a way out. I choose to trust you, not my desires. Amen.
