James 1:12-   When we ask for wisdom and are firmly committed to live for Jesus, according to the Truth.. we will receive endurance.  James tells us in verse 12 "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to those who love Him."  We need endurance to persevere under trial.  To keep abiding, to remain, to bear up under the trial.. to suffer.. to take it patiently and with fortitude. 

 A "tested" faith is one that has experienced something that proves its trustworthiness.  Only a tested faith can produce endurance.  Only an enduring faith can persevere under trial.  The trial can be an experience of good or of evil. It can be a solicitation - a plea or appeal, an enticement,  a temptation; or it could be an experience of discipline or correction. 

 James goes on to tell us that when those trials come.. we can know with certainty that if we are enticed to do what is evil.... it is not from God.  He will never.. ever.. appeal for us to do what is sinful or offensive to Himself!  ".. for God cannot be tempted by evil and He Himself does not tempt anyone." 

There is a whole different cause and effect involved here.  It begins with "lust" - the strong desire for what is forbidden.. that will carry us away.. will "tempt" us to do what is evil.  When lust "conceives" - when we let ourselves be carried away by our own desires.. we sin. We miss the mark.  We offend God. We err.  And this leads to "death".. for the wages of sin is death. This is mankind.. this is us.. without grace... 

" Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren." (v16)  James adds here. God does not desire us to do evil and He will not tempt us in that way.. far from it.. "Every good thing bestowed and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow."  His will for us is righteousness, not sinfulness.  "In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the word of truth... "  Praise God that though the wages of sin is death.. "the  free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 6:23)  He is is the way, the Truth, and the Life!

Father in heaven, fill us with Your perfect Wisdom, the Spirit of Truth, so that we will walk in faith. Faith that has been proven trustworthy. Faith that will persevere under trial. Faith that will not be deceived and will not vacillate. Help us to walk in Truth. To abide in Christ Jesus, the Light of the world, who has brought us into fellowship with You, our great Father and God.  Instruct us and teach us in the way we are to go.. counsel us and watch over us, that we might do everything, whether in word or deed, to the glory of the Son. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, believing we will receive what we have asked for, according to Your Word. Amen.