June 24

Temptation or sin

“The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations” (2 Peter 2:9).
“. . . Though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations” (1 Peter 1:6).

I am glad you seem able in some measure to distinguish between darkness and heaviness. Darkness implies sin, and is associated with condemnation. Heaviness frequently implies little more than temptation, though it may often arise from such innocent causes as disordered nerves, bad health, or the influence of the atmosphere and is consistent with confidence in God; such as Job felt when he said, “though he slay me, yet will I trust in him.”
I allow, there may be at such times, great “searchings of heart,” and “these try the sinews of the soul, and drill the heart to suffering,” but “God is faithful.” Hold on here, and you shall weather every storm of earth and hell.
—James Caughey.

Each day will bring just temptation enough and power enough to conquer it, and, as one says, “Temptations, with distinct deliverances from them, avail much.” The unction of the Holy One is given to believers for this very end—to enable them to distinguish (which otherwise would be impossible) between sin and temptation. And this you will do, not by any general rule, but by listening to Him on all particular occasions and by your consulting with those that have experience in the ways of God.
—John Wesley.

Satan is never permitted to block up our way without the providence of God making a way through the wall. God ever makes a breach in his otherwise impregnable fortification. Should an upright soul get into difficulties and straits, he may rest assured that there is a way out as there was a way in; and that the trial shall never be above the strength that God shall give him to bear it.

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