Trials and Temptations

I was asking Cheryl about the difference between tests (or trials) and temptations.

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Testing and tempting are 2 different things. Firstly, the source. Test comes from God while temptation comes from the devil.

James 1:13-14 tells us clearly that God will not tempt us: "When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed."

In the NT, Jesus was tempted by the satan when He was in the desert 40 days.

Also in the NT, we saw that Jesus prayed to the Father, asking Him not to lead us into temptation. What it means? Satan needs to get permission from God to tempt us! In Job 1:12, "The LORD said to Satan, "Very well, then, everything he has is in your hands, but on the man himself do not lay a finger."

We have to bear in mind that when we face trials & temptation, we are to continue to seek God in prayer because "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." (1 Cor 10:13)

Back to tests. Tests exist to help us to gain another spiritual level, if we pass the test. In James 1:2-4, we are reminded by Paul to "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

We have to learn to see things through the Spirit. I will encourage you to see, think, hear & speak through the eyes, mind, ear & mouth of Jesus; have the mindset Jesus have. Ask & you shall be give, that's what God says, if you pray for His will be done.

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I'd say she gave a good answer to the question. Seems she's more than meets the eye.