Title: Tests and Temptations

"Who knoweth not in all these that the hand of the LORD hath wrought this? Job 12:9"

Devotion: Job was certain about his relationship with God and confident that God would not harm him. This is evident in his rhetorical question about the integrity of God. He recognized that he was undergoing a trial allowed by God. This highlights an important distinction between being tested by God and being tempted by the devil.

  In the New Testament, Jesus faced temptation in the wilderness for forty days and resisted all the temptations posed by the devil. This account can be found in [Matthew 4:1-11].

  Testing by God: God's tests are meant to strengthen our faith and character. They help us grow and become more reliant on Him. Abraham was tested of God. Genesis 22:1-2 says  "And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, here I am. And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of."

 Apostle teaches us when he says in James 1:2-4 - "My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations(testing); knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing."

  Temptation by the Devil: The devil's temptations are designed to lead us away from God and into sin, to destroy us. They appeal to our desires and weaknesses. May we not be destroyed in Jesus' name Amen.

 Again Apostle says in James 1:13-15- "Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth He any man: but every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death(spiritual death)."

  Apostle Peter echoes it in 1 Peter 5:8 when he says "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour" through deceit and manipulation.

Dear friend, it is essential to recognize the difference between being tested by God and being tempted by the devil. God tests us to refine us, while the devil tempts us to destroy us. Hold fast to your faith and seek God's strength to overcome temptations.

Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences with me through the medium by which you receive this devotional. Please don't hesitate to share this with your contacts.

©Dr Joel Olanrewaju, gbemide09@gmail.com.