Trials And/Or Temptations

James 2:2,3 ‘My brothers, count it all joy when you fall into diverse temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith works patience.’

How many of us can say that we are joyful or glad when we are faced with temptations or trials? Although this verse uses the word temptations, it can more accurately be interpreted as trials, which is borne out by the second part which mentions the ‘trying of your faith.’ While both temptations and trials both are a test of faith, they are not the same. As with any challenge to our faith, God will only allow situations which we are able to bear or overcome .(1 Corinthians 10:13) And in each challenge God is there to help if we exercise our faith. But the key difference between a trial and a temptation is where it originates and the motivation behind it. Trials may or may not come from God, but any trial that originates with God is for the purpose of accomplishing something positive in our Christian experience, or growing our faith. Which is one reason why Paul could say in Romans 12:28 that ‘all things work for good to those that love God.’

On the other hand, any temptations we may face are enticements to do wrong and are the result of our sinful nature or the works of Satan. God will never tempt us to sin or do wrong of any kind. (James 1:13) He loves us too much, and likewise hates sin too much to tempt us to commit sin. Satan’s agenda, however, is one of discouragement, defeat and destruction. As 1 Peter 5:8 tells us, he ‘walks about, seeking whom he may devour.’ But Satan is a defeated enemy who will flee when we resist him steadfastly in the faith. While trials or temptations are never enjoyable experiences in themselves, our joy comes from facing them with confident faith in the ultimate outcome, and attaining victory with the help of our all-powerful God.

Do you find it difficult to distinguish between a trial and a temptation?
How can we avoid or escape temptations?
How important is attitude in dealing with trials or temptations?