Matthew 6:13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
Trials and temptations are not synonyms. Temptations are ‘setups’ of the devil to trap us in sin whereas trials are ‘probations’ that qualify us for promotions. Trials are permitted to strengthen us and to help us to succeed but temptations are snares to make us stumble and slip. Hence the accurate understanding of lead us not into temptation is ‘do not permit us to be sifted or tempted by the devil’ but to have a tight leash on our meandering minds and protect us from falling into temptation. The Lord God leads us into green pastures of righteousness and not to the parched dump of wickedness. Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one (James 1:13).
‘Temptations are satan’s snare to stumble us into sin while trials are God permitted setups for success.’
In the divine realm there are no ‘failures’. If we fail, we have to retake the test until we pass. The Lord doesn’t run out of mercy to give us another attempt to succeed in our failure. This is why the same problems come to us through different forms and shapes, over and over again. If there is a threat in our job, a big unexpected bill and also a huge financial commitment, the trial is not to teach us ‘money management’ skills but ‘mind management’ to bolster our trust in the Lord God. The trial was to build trust and not just to make us thrifty. On the other hand a temptation will come in the form of speculation or gambling to make quick money. These shortcuts will push us into the irredeemable rut of debt. Yielding to temptation is running through the red lights hoping that we will not be fined.
‘Trial’ is the battle ground to fight and possess our territory but temptation is stepping into the enemy’s terrain and struggling to escape.
Trials & Temptations:
1. Stumble: Trials make us stable, but temptations make us stumble and fall. The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day. But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble (Proverbs 4:18-19).
2. Strengthen: Trials make us strong and sturdy, but temptations make us weak and frail. The wicked flee when no man pursues: but the righteous are bold as a lion (Proverbs 28:1).
3. Succeed: Trials will make us stand the test and succeed, but temptations are designed to defeat and destroy us. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world (John 16:33).
Trials are storms that will help the roots of the tree to go deeper but temptations are destructive tornadoes that will uproot the tree.
Psalm 5:8 Lead me, O LORD, in your righteousness because of my enemies; make your way straight before me.
Prayer: Father God, lead me in the path of righteousness and use a tight leash to stop me from stepping into the enemy’s dangerous territory. Amen.
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