Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds … (Jam. 1:2).
We all face trials daily. You cannot program your trials’ timing, place, nature, and intensity. Trials are no respecters of persons. They come unannounced, do not negotiate, and care less about your beliefs. Since Jesus Christ encountered trials here on earth, don’t expect to be spared. Trials and temptations come from the same Greek word (peirazo): test, scrutinize, entice, tempt, discipline, etc. In English, trial refers to a test that reveals our strengths and weaknesses so we can make improvements. Face trials with pure joy as they create the godly character in us (Jam. 1:2-4). Temptation refers to a trial that is evil motivated to make us sin. Satan tempted Jesus, but He resisted him by the Word of God. Jesus gave the disciples the recipe to overcome temptations: “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.” (Mat. 26:41). Welcome all trials with a good attitude to learn and grow, and resist all temptations by watching, praying, and using the Word of God.
