Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. – James 1: 16-17

Another translation of the first words above reads, “stop being deceived…” It is all too easy for us to shift the focus of our trials onto God just as we can blame Him for our temptations. God certainly allows conflict and desires that can lead us to a closer walk with Christ, but to say that he purposely leads us into sin would be out of line with His character.

James reminds us that God is  –

• the source of everything good in our lives – everything
• God is consistent and does not change.
• God is for us and He wants to see us flourish!

Because God is good and reliable, we can be confident in a passage like Romans 8:28 – “and we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”

No matter what we will face today, let’s begin the week with assurance in a Savior who is “the same yesterday, today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8).