Prayer to identify the difference between tests, temptations and trials
By: Kyle Norman
Bible Reading:
“When you are seduced, no one should say, ‘God is seducing me.’ “For God cannot be seduced by evil, and no one will seduce him. ” – James 1:13
Read or listen to the following:
My wife was diagnosed with rare and aggressive cancer a while ago. With that diagnosis, my world and my faith were turned upside down and I realized I was asking many questions I didn’t think I would ask. Was God testing us? Did God give my wife cancer and make sure we are faithful? Was this an attack by an evil man who showed that God was not with us or that he was not protecting us? Maybe this wouldn’t have happened if we had more faith. This is just a coincidence of life, and if so, where was God? Without a doubt, these are difficult questions to ask and sit together.
What is the difference between tests, seductions, and trials?
Test: In the academic world, tests are tests designed to help us prove ourselves and demonstrate our knowledge, skills, or our values. Importantly, these tests are essentially binary. Regardless of the range of letter grades, the test is summarized in two options. You either pass or fail. Does God test the same way? no.
God should not see if we fail. Interestingly, the Bible is open about God testing people, but we don’t read about anyone who “fails the test.” God will never slam anyone through God’s exams. This is because the test is an invitation to experience God’s miraculous and merciful existence.
Temptation: This is fundamentally different to temptation. We all instinctively know what temptation is. Temptation is a spiritual attack, a plea of will and desire to go outside the path of God. All temptations are rooted in God’s movement. We focus on our desires, our kingdoms and our satisfaction, not on God’s desires for our lives. And like Adam and Eve in the garden, we always feel that seduction is being blamed by us.
Trial: So, if Test is what is placed in our path as an invitation to step into our path and temptation is a desire to separate from God, then well, what is Trial? Simply put, trials are life frailties. Sometimes life happens. We are imperfect people living in an imperfect world. And the meeting of frail frailty can sometimes make life difficult. Trials are an unwelcome diagnosis and you are saddened by the death of a loved one, the loss of a job, the accident, or the fact that you never happened.
This may help these definitions. Looking back, I can say that my wife’s cancer is not a test, nor is it a temptation. It was just a part of the frailty of life – the trial we had to go through in front of those who travel with us. But be honest. Analyzing these theological concepts can be difficult when facing difficulties. As emotions overcome us, definitions glide from our hearts. In those places, what we feel is all the weight we face.
So here’s the essentials. No matter what we find ourselves, we test, seduce, or trial — the grace of Christ surrounds us, as well as the power of the Holy Spirit. And no matter what, we can confidently approach Jesus.
Let’s pray:
Graceful Lord, I surround me with grace and love, and I am grateful to be a constant presence in my life. Lord, I remember that your words tell me that if any of us lack wisdom, we should ask God generously and without denunciation. And Lord, I seek your wisdom to identify the difference between tests, trials, and temptations. Thank you for providing the opportunity to demand my best efforts. Thank you for taking me to places and times where I rely on you and give you the opportunity to develop myself with faith and trust. Recognise those moments in my life. And give you the boldness to reach out to you. When I am seduced, when the evil of the world appears to be approaching my life, Lord, open my eyes to see your presence. Help me know that the seduction I face will not let you run away from me. Give me a determination of faith to lean on your presence when I feel surrounded by the world. And then I give in to temptation, remind me of your forgiveness and love, and help me to look back at you again. In the name of my Lord Jesus Christ, I pray all this. Amen.
Photo Credit Nik Shuliahin/Unsplash
Pastor Kyle Norman is the president of St. Paul’s Cathedral in Kamloops, Canada. He holds a PhD in Spiritual Formation and is a popular author, speaker and retreat leader. His writings can be found at Christianity.com, Crosswalk.com, Ibelieve.com, Renovare Canada and more. He also maintains his own blog revkylenorman.ca. He has 20 years of idyllic experience, and his ministry focuses on helping people overcome times of spiritual disappointment.
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