Trials of Our Own Making

Sometimes we walk into trials of our own making, because they are the direct result of our own selfishness or pride or greed or lust. Then when this happens and we reap the results of our sin, we get angry at God.

But James says, “Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am tempted by God’; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death” (James 1:13–15). We forge the links of small, compromising actions, and before we know it, a mighty chain is wound around us, and we are helpless.

I used to be able to outrun my oldest son Christopher, who is now an adult. But a few years ago, we were at the beach, and I picked a spot and said, “OK, Christopher, I will race you to that spot.” We took off, and much to my surprise, he outran me. I thought, “How is that possible? I held this child in my hands when he was born. I watched him grow.” Well, he grew up. That’s what happened.

That’s the way it can be with sin. We think we can handle it. We think it’s so small. But James says that when sin is full-grown, it brings forth death. One of these days that sin is going to grow up, and it is going to outrun you. It is going to overpower you. That’s what happens.