Talk with Jesus

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:12-17

As you read today’s verse, bring these questions to Jesus and talk with Him about them.

• What has been my relationship with compromise? What does it look like to turn to You in those moments of temptation to compromise?*

Are my small, occasional compromises really that big of a deal? The thing about compromise is it’s gradual. Gradual compromises can eventually lead to sin. Are there any areas in your life that

Don’t let your emotions sway you to compromise!
How often did I say to myself, “Oh, but I feel like it. Whatever.” to justify COMPROMISE! What do you do when you face difficult emotions, whether minor or world-shattering? What does it mean to “turn to Jesus” instead?

“I can obey God in the moment, but can I follow it through when things get tough?”

Can you remember a time when you made a really hard decision that you knew was right? Did things get easier or harder after that decision? If they got harder, what did you do?

Passivity in choices: “Well, I guess this is happening again.”

I used to just “let things happen”. Are there any areas in your life that you take a passive stance when you know you should be taking an active stance?

• Search my heart and show me if there are any areas where I am vulnerable to compromise. How are You leading me to respond?

Is there one thing in particular in your life that serves as an obstacle to learning that God is the refuge in times of storm and struggle? God longs to show us Psalm 23 as a reality of our lives, He wants to show us that He is a Good Shepherd who has everything we need, but our stubbornness can get in the way and “how then can the Lord pasture them like lambs in a meadow?” (Hosea 4:16).

Note: Days 36-43 is about learning to resist temptation.

Prayer:

God, I say ‘No More!’ to compromise in my life. Strengthen my resolve to say no to anything that is not from You. Open my eyes to see Your good and perfect gifts for me.

”Come in by the gold gates or not at all,
Take of my fruit for others or forbear.
For those who steal or those who climb my wall
Shall find their heart’s desire and find despair.”
C.S. Lewis, Magician’s Nephew