Seven Negatives That God Can Make into Positives (Part I)

Hello my friends. Today I want to begin talking to you about seven things that appear negative that God can turn around into something positive. The first one that we will consider today is...

I. Temptation

We are all tempted. Even Jesus was tempted. Not only by Satan in the wilderness after he was baptized but throughout his lifetime. Hebrews 4:15 (NIV) tells us that “We do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin.” And unlike many believe, Satan is not the only source of temptation in our life. So we can blame him for everything. James 1:14 (KJV) tells us that “Every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.”

But what positive thing can come out of being tempted? Several actually. First James 1:12 (KJV) tells us, “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.” So the day is coming when those that overcome temptation will receive a crown of life. Secondly, each temptation that you face and overcome makes you a little stronger and better prepared for the next temptation. And thirdly, temptation always reveals something. It lets you know how strong you are. Every time you face temptation and overcome it, it lets you know that you are growing. It means that the devil can’t cause you to fall with the same old tricks he used to use before. God can turn the negative things in our life into something positive...if we allow him to.