The Daily Devotional

How Do I Stand Strong Against Temptation?

Are you struggling with temptation? If so, here are some steps you can take to stand strong.

Ezra Byer

10 Jul 2025 — 4 min read

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Key Verses: ¹²Blessed is the one who endures trials, because when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. ¹³No one undergoing a trial should say, “I am being tempted by God,” since God is not tempted by evil, and he himself doesn’t tempt anyone. ¹⁴But each person is tempted when he is drawn away and enticed by his own evil desire. ¹⁵Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and when sin is fully grown, it gives birth to death. - James 1:12-15

As an editor, whenever an author submits a manuscript for me to review, I like to start by scanning what they've written to see what is most important to them. By paying attention to what they repeat and emphasize, I gain a much better understanding of who they are and what they're about.

This is true of every book in every major world religion. For example, if you read the Quran, you can’t help but notice its dual emphasis that Allah is great and that those who don’t believe in him will be severely punished.

“Indeed, the religion in the sight of Allah is Islam... whoever disbelieves in the verses of Allah—then indeed, Allah is swift in [taking] account.” — Surah Al-Imran (3:19)
“Indeed, those who disbelieve in Our verses—We will drive them into a Fire. Every time their skins are roasted, We will replace them with other skins so they may taste the punishment. Indeed, Allah is ever Exalted in Might and Wise.” — Surah An-Nisa (4:56)
“And We have certainly created for Hell many of the jinn and mankind. They have hearts with which they do not understand... They are like cattle—rather, they are more astray. It is they who are heedless.” — Surah Al-A'raf (7:179)

Read it for yourself, and you can't avoid this central theme: Allah is great, he has specific plans for what he wants you to do, and if you do not do them, you will go to Hell and suffer eternal torture.

But whereas Islam in its purest form calls men to jihad and war against unbelievers, the words of Jesus call believers to lay down their lives for the hope that is to come and for the sake of others.

We are not to fight, we are to endure.

Remain Steadfast Through Temptation

One of these forms of endurance is remaining steadfast in the face of trials and temptation. The word steadfast is used 17 times in the New Testament, and James shows that trials are times of testing that reveal our level of steadfastness. These are times when the creator of the universe examines our lives, placing us under the microscope of pressure.

But in those moments when we feel as though everything within us is being squeezed and wonder how on earth we will continue on, there is the confidence that God is preparing for us a crown of life. That as we continue to be faithful, there will be an incredible reward that awaits.

James helps us understand the nature of temptation by telling us that God cannot even be tempted. Because at the heart of temptation is the lure to do that which is outside of God’s sovereign will, and thus a pull to do something that is less than 100% satisfying, God cannot be tempted with evil.

Because God has perfect knowledge of the future, he sees the total outcome of every choice. So, one of the reasons humans struggle with temptation, whereas God does not, is the difference in knowledge. While we can only finitely see the past and the present, God can infinitely see the past, present, and future.

Likewise, while God does bring trying circumstances and allow trials to be a part of our lives, this is very different than the way the devil tempts us. Satan tempts us with the desire to see us fall. God tests us to make us stronger.