Early in my Christian walk, I thought that the more I grew in faith, the less temptations I would experience. It did not take long to discover that was just not true. Paul wrote to the early believers about temptation, "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But, when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it." [1 Cor. 10:13 NIV] He did not say if, but when you are tempted. It is a common experience, shared by all. 

In the book, 'The Joshua Code', by O.S. Hawkins, he compared our minds to a hotel. He said the manager cannot keep someone from entering the lobby. However, he can certainly keep that person from getting a room. Likewise, it is not a sin when temptation passes through our mind. Sin comes when we give temptation a room in our mind and let it dwell there.

James, the brother of Jesus, also wrote about temptation. "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] Temptation is NOT from God! Temptation is not from God, but the way to escape IS. Always remember, Jesus was tempted in every way, just like us. He is sympathetic with our weakness and invites us to come to His throne of Grace and Mercy. Sounds like a way of escape to me. 

Peace and Grace in Christ Jesus, 
Pastor Joe Voss