Tests vs Tempations

If you are reading this then I am assuming you still have breath in your lungs. And as long as you have breath in your lungs then you are going to face temptations. Today as you head out the door for work or to start your day you are going to face temptations. Some are going to be so small that you won't even realize that it was a temptation, but some will be so big and hit that part of you that the enemy knows is a struggle...and making the right choice will truly be a challenge. To some that may sound silly, that making the right choice could be a challenge for some people. But if you have a past, if you have been rescued from an addiction, or even if you have walked away from certain things because of your relationship with Jesus, then the enemy knows that he can "taunt" you with things that can cause you to pause and consider the choice. But the good news is God will provide the strength to beat that thing EVERY single time if we rely on Him. (1 Corinthians 10:13) 

But what about tests that come your way? What is the difference between a test and a temptation? Does God tempt us to see if we will make the right choice? Do the enemy test us? And how can we tell the difference? Well the first thing I want to address out those questions is the difference between the two, because once you understand that, it helps answer the other questions. A test or a temptation...what's the difference? Well a temptation will always have one purpose....to get you to fall to something that will pull you away from God. However, a test will always give you a chance to stay where you are, or to draw closer to God. Tests don't take you down the wrong road if you fail them, however temptation always will. (James 1:13-18) Here is an example....If a married woman/man were to make a pass at you and you have been lonely, the the enemy is tempting you to make a bad choice. God is not tempting you to make a good one. How do you know, because if you make the wrong choice then the results (the sin) will pull you away from God. That is never God's intentions. However, let's say things are financially tight for you and it is time to tithe this Sunday. As the plate is getting passed you have 2 choices...you can give and trust God to provide in this financial area, or you can choose to not give and lose the chance to see God increase your faith. Neither of these are going to pull you away from Him, but whatever choice you make will either give you a chance to see God's faithfulness, or not. When the enemy tempts us he is hoping we fall to that thing and it drags us away from God. One way it can do that it by causing guilt and shame which creates a wedge between us and God. But according to God's word He will provide a way out. So that temptation could backfire on satan and you could end up thanking God for helping you see that way out making the good choice. That is a gamble that satan takes. But in a test, God will give you the choice remain where you are, or grow. But neither is a "fail". God is always providing ways for us to grow just like the enemy is constantly providing ways for us to fall. And once you understand the difference it helps you be able to distinguish what is happening each and every time. When God asked Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac is says that Abraham trusted God so much that He either figured God would provide another sacrifice, or He would raise his son back from the dead after the sacrifice was made. But either way Abraham knew God would move. And when Abraham passed the test and God knew He could truly trust Abraham's heart, God did provide a different sacrifice and their relationship grew immensely. (see Genesis 22)

The enemy is going to tempt you...and God is always going to provide a door of escape. I pray you always look for that door. And occasionally God is going to give you a situation that can help you grow in Him. And I pray that you always do. Even trials that the enemy tries to bring into our life can bring you closer to God. 1 Peter 4:12-16 tells us that if we suffer through a trial we are becoming partners with Christ because of how He suffered. And when we draw near to God in those sufferings then we give the world a chance to see His glory. 

Don't be deceived by the enemy one more day. See when he is tempting you and look for that door of escape. But also know when a test has comes your way and God is giving you a way to FULLY trust in Him. Walk in that trust and see how much more He can grow you in those situations.

God, Thank You for your doors of escape during a time of temptation. We trust You and Your word! In our humanness we know the enemy can get us to slip, but help us be wise to his ways and rely on You to help us not fall. Thank you for the the grace and mercy that covers us when we do mess up too! Also God, thank You for chances to grow with you. Holy Spirit guide us in those times so that we will make the choice the grows our faith, our trust and our relationship with Jesus. And help us always boast about ALL that God is doing in our lives. In Jesus name, Amen.