Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. 13Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. 14But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. 15Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death." (James 1:12-15)

Speaking of being lured by sin and evil, disaster isn't always a fast-motion event. The damage done can span years in the making. Relationships can suffer, and when that damage is done, it's difficult to repair. A house needs maintenance in order not to eventually allow nature and the elements to cause it to crater, and so do relationships.

The question arose in Bible study about evil and God "not allowing evil to befall us" because God doesn't have the capacity to do or allow evil. James addresses that early in his letter. Evil lures and lurks. Satan, after tempting Christ, withdrew for a "more opportune time" (Luke 4). We are tested and tempted in life. We just don't know the source. Is it God testing us or Satan tempting us? We don't know. Disasters are certainly a great source of testing and tempting, but the source doesn't matter. What matters is where we turn.

Hear how Peter speaks to this in his letter: "Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 7casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 8Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. 10And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you." (1 Peter 5:6-10)

Pray that we turn to God in prayer and His Word daily as maintenance on our "homes." Pray that as testing and temptation occurs, we turn to God. Pray we heed God's wisdom and turn away from the lure that is flashy and shiny, knowing that it is, in fact, a roaring lion ready to devour. Christ will restore us. For these things we are thankful. Amen.

Andy Griffith gives a famous answer to how easily we are tempted by "bright and shiny things." He addresses this kind of temptation we face daily in a great scene from his show - maybe one of the best in my humble opinion.