Not a few sincere believers get hung up on the difference between a "trial" and a "temptation." This blog does not give me enough space to do justice to the difference between these events in our lives but in essence, it's important that you do know that there is a difference.
God does not tempt us in any way, Hebrews says, and the purpose of temptation is to pull us away from God. Temptation tugs at our inclination to sin and often rationalizes its consequences.
Trials, on the other hand, are often allowed by the Lord for the purpose of building faith. (See James 1) That's why in this section in the book of James he tells us to be thankful for the trials that come our way because they build our faith and enable us to be more pleasing to God.
I have to confess that my first response to a trial is not to rejoice, but the more I see my faith grow, the more I realize that these are necessary and keep me from becoming neutralized in my journey with Jesus.
Take a look at your life and see if you sense any trials or temptations. Stand against the one and rejoice in the other!
Blessings,
Dr. Jay
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