Yesterday I looked at how David had a good heart and a great intention but it wasn’t God’s will for him to do what he intended.

David is king. The anointing of the Lord is on him. He is blessed and has many military victories, all because of the Lord.

He knows this – but he forgets this – and decides to take a census. The census was actually designed to count the military might of the nation. Though it doesn’t actually say this, I can only assume it since the military is the only count the Bible reveals.

That is not putting faith in God. The battles are being won whether David has 100 warriors or a million!

This is one of those places where it could be claimed, “the devil made me do it!”

Did he really?

The Bible says Satan rose up against Israel and caused David to take a census of the people of Israel. 1 Chron 21:1

Satan has the ability to tempt but he doesn’t have the ability to make you do anything.
It was David that ordered the census. Satan only tempted him to do so.

It is revealed that this temptation came from David’s own desire – temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. James 1:14
Satan merely provided and outlet for the temptation to give birth to sin.

David’s defense against this scheme is the same as yours. And it was addressed by our Lord Jesus in a teachable moment when He said to pray “And don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one.” Matt 6:13

Rescue is found in the person of Jesus Christ. He is the out. He is the temptation killer. He is the overcomer. He is the conqueror. He is the only way to Father and that path leads away from temptation.

When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure. 1 Cor 10:13
Look to Jesus. Keep your eyes on Him when temptation heads your way!