The Lord is ultimately in control of all temptations that come to us—and of those to which we give in.
Even in our sinful decisions, we can do nothing other than what the Lord has allowed. He always makes a way to fight the temptation. The Lord didn’t make anyone sin—He didn’t have to, since man’s sinful nature naturally led him in that direction. He simply had to remove the restraints and allow men to pursue the desires of his sinful heart. He doesn’t tempt anybody to sin, He merely at most allows that to happen. We must constantly in HUMILITY be asking for MERCY, GRACE, and PERSEVERANCE. Stop looking around and respond to God and what He is asking….FULLY TRUSTING HIM. The test of faith is to Trust His Love and Perfect Goodness. Evil is allowed to show the Glory of God. All men are called to seek Him. Grace is based on daisy chain steps.
They shall drive you from men, your dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field, and they shall make you eat grass like oxen. They shall wet you with the dew of heaven, and seven [a]times shall pass over you, till you know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever He chooses. Daniel 4:25 (even if evil men rule, God knows, we are to worship God anyway.)
For God has put it into their hearts to fulfill His purpose, to be of one mind, and to give their kingdom to the beast, until the words of God are fulfilled. Revelation 17:17 (Man does not want to believe God is Good and Perfect – they want their own way)
And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness. 2 Thessalonians 2: 11-12 (Man does not want to believe God is Good and Perfect – they want their own way)
and said: “O Lord God of our fathers, are You not God in heaven, and do You not rule over all the kingdoms of the nations, and in Your hand is there not power and might, so that no one is able to withstand You? 2 Chronicles 20:6(You have a choice to believe, all the evidence is there and the Word has been spoken.)
“It is the Lord. Let Him do what seems good to Him.” 1 Samuel 3:18 (We must cling tightly no matter what we see, think, or feel….God is GOOD)
There are many plans in a man’s heart, Nevertheless the Lord’s counsel—that will stand. Proverbs 19:21 (God gives us his counsel, we can choose to reject it.)
A man’s heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps. Proverbs 16:9 (The Lord wants to direct your steps, if you deny his right to do so, you are only hurting yourself.)
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11 (God has good plans for you, it is your responsibility to seek his will)
In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, Ephesians 1:11(He will work it out either by your cooperation or your consequences from disobedience.)
But our God is in heaven; He does whatever He pleases. Psalm 115:3 (He has chosen how he wants to save mankind, if you don’t like it you are only hurting yourself.)
That they may know from the rising of the sun to its setting That there is none besides Me. I am the Lord, and there is no other; I form the light and create darkness, I make peace and create calamity; I, the Lord, do all these things.’ Isaiah 45:6-7 (There are consequences to your actions and attitudes, God can and will humble you.)
Again the anger of the Lord was aroused against Israel, and He moved David against them to say, “Go, [a]number Israel and Judah.” 2 Samuel 24:1 (He wanted to punish Israel so he allowed his grace to leave David and let him do what his heart wanted)
The Lord of hosts has sworn, saying, “Surely, as I have thought, so it shall come to pass, And as I have purposed, so it shall stand. Isiah 14:24 (If we don’t do what he wants, the consequences are what will happen.)
The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, Like the [a]rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes. Proverbs 21:1 (God can turn people’s heart to save or remove grace to let them fall to humble them.)
For the kingdom is the Lord’s, And He rules over the nations. Psalm 22:28 (God is ruler and deserves Praise and Thanksgiving as such.)
Then I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, so that he will pursue them; and I will gain honor over Pharaoh and over all his army, that the Egyptians may know that I am the Lord.” And they did so. Exodus 14:4 (God can remove grace to let them fall to humble them.)
The Lord has made all for Himself, Yes, even the wicked for the day of [a]doom. Proverbs 16:4 (If we don’t do what he wants, the consequences are what will happen.)
Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, The days fashioned for me, When as yet there were none of them. Psalm 139:16(God knew every one of my days, nothing is happening that He will not get me through…nothing is a surprise – TRUST.)
Are not two sparrows sold for a [a]copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. Matthew 10:29 (God knew every one of my days, nothing is happening that He will not get me through…nothing is a surprise – TRUST.)
The lot is cast into the lap, But its every decision is from the Lord. Proverbs 16:33 (The Lord wants to direct your steps, if you deny his right to do so, you are only hurting yourself.)
I know that You can do everything, And that no purpose of Yours can be withheld from You. Job 42:2 (If we don’t do what he wants, the consequences are what will happen.)
Who is he who speaks and it comes to pass, When the Lord has not commanded it? Is it not from the mouth of the Most High That woe and well-being proceed? Lamentations 3:37-38 (If we don’t do what he wants, the consequences are what will happen.)
For truly against Your holy Servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose determined before to be done. Acts 4:27-28 (He has chosen how he wants to save mankind, if you don’t like it you are only hurting yourself.)
