Trials and Temptations

Hi, I’m Joni Eareckson Tada with a little Bible lesson.

You know, I don’t know about you, but I often hear people talk about their trials and temptations, like they are one in the same. But think about it, are they? In James Chapter 1, the Bible says, “When tempted, no one should say, ‘God is tempting me.’ For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He tempt anyone.” Trials and temptations may sound like one and the same, but they are not. A trial is a test that God puts before us to prove our faith and produce perseverance. Trials are something we can face with joy.

But there ain’t nothing joyful about temptation. No, unlike trials, God does not even place temptations in our path. Temptations occur when we are enticed and dragged away by our own evil desire. So how are trials and temptations related? Well, think about this: When you fail a God-given trial, when we resist the grace He gives to persevere and obey, you miss the God-given opportunity to have your faith refined. You think it’s not worth the effort, or you just don’t want the hassle. At that point, a failed trial can turn into a temptation when you’re enticed to go our own way and seek your own desires, or even grumble or complain.

I experienced this many times. In fact, when I was newly injured and facing life in a wheelchair I remembered in the hospital having to deal not only with paralysis, but on top of that, I got the flu. And you know what? I just did not want to hassle with trusting God. I was mad, and I did not care if it was just one more thing He planned to help refine my faith or to help me to grow or to persevere. So, I missed the God-given opportunity to hold onto grace and have my faith in Christ strengthened. Instead, being paralyzed and having the flu that quickly became my temptation to vent my anger. And I did. I was enticed to go my own way and complain. And that is when James Chapter 1, verses 14 and 15 kicked in where it says, “… each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it’s full-grown, gives birth to death.” In other words, my complaining, not only over my paralysis, but dealing with the flu, well it gave birth to sin – the sin of resentment. This sin of anger and rebellion against God for allowing me to be tested so.

 But some will still say, “No, Joni that still means that God is tempting you.” But the next few verses in James have the answer, “Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights.” God never intends for trials to turn into temptations; trials are His good and perfect gifts intended to refine your faith and develop perseverance, and make you mature and complete. And with every trial, God promises to give accompanying grace, if we would not resist it (as I did with the flu), but receive it. We can’t really know the depth of our character until we see how we react under a trial. But oh, when we act with godliness, what a reward! The rewards are out of this world, because James Chapter 1, verse 12 encourages us, “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he’s stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.” So, I hope you enjoyed this little Bible lesson today. Ask God to give you grace to welcome your trial as a friend and ask Him to guard you against the temptation to turn it into bitterness or resentment. That’s a good lesson from the Bible.

© Joni and Friends