James 1:13-18

Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God,” 
for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one.
But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire
Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, 
and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.

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Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God.” Don’t blame God when you struggle and fall. When you’re fighting against evil, don’t turn in anger towards God; for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. Praise him for his holiness and just kindness! Cry out to your Savior humbly, and ask for the strength to fight temptations of evil.

Take responsibility for your own failings. Each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Look at your struggles; look at your shortcomings; you will see it was following your own desires that found you there. What desire is luring you away from loving God and keeping his commandments today? What desire is enticing you further and further away from the one who promises to be your Rock, your Strong Tower? This desire gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.

We are fighting against our desires today; the daily battle is difficult because we are fighting against sin that brings forth death. We are fighting death. Are you weary from fighting this good fight? Take heart; it is a unimaginable war you are a part of. We are called to war against our own flesh and own desires. We are called to fight in that same war that started in the Garden of Eden with the serpent tempting Eve. We are tempted still, but now we fight alongside the army of redeemed saints; we fight alongside Christ. Do not lose heart because it is difficult, and sometimes a slow trudge toward victory. Only lose heart if you stop fighting the battle.