You and I, we're surrounded by so many talented people, aren't we? People who can do things we could never do; who've achieved things we'll never achieve; who have their lives so together that it beggars belief.

Look, much of that talent is somehow baked into them; it emanates from their very DNA. My friend Lorraine who's the most gifted violinist. My old friend Laurrie, whose gentleness and strength have him ministering healing into conflict and strife. Those people are capable of things that I'll never be capable of.

And then … then there's the whole temptation thing. You've been there too, right? Those other people all seem to have it so together, while you and I … we know our foibles, we see our failures, we know when we've stumbled at temptation and fallen to sin. Why can't I be like them?, we ask ourselves.

But there've also been times when you've endured temptation; when out of a deep knowledge of the love that God has for you, you've resisted, stood firm … because of what Jesus did for you.

James 1:12 Blessed is anyone who endures temptation. Such a one has stood the test and will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. (NRSV)

The thing about temptation is that when it comes your way it feels far preferable to fall into it rather than to resist it. But here's the truth. It's not about talent, it's about standing firm when you don't feel like it, in order to receive the crown of life that the Lord promised. Stand firm!

That's God's Word. Fresh … for you … today.