Would you rather experience a test or temptation? Yes, there is a difference between the two. Temptation comes from the enemy while a test comes our way to help us grow and mature in the Lord.
He’s able to help those who are being tempted, since He Himself experienced suffering when He was tempted. Hebrews 2:18 CEB
This is a verse we often stand on when someone is experiencing temptation. We know, through this verse, that Jesus can identify with us because He experienced temptation just like we do.
The question we must ask ourselves is, would you rather have a test or experience temptation? We will find out that the two could work together.
Did you notice what the verse doesn’t say? It doesn’t actually say he will help us. It also doesn’t say he won’t help us either.
Hebrews 2:18 says he is able to help those who are being tempted. Why would that be important? Many feel that God has this obligation to keep us out of trouble and to fix things when we do get into trouble.
First of all, God doesn’t have an obligation to do anything for us. However, because of his love and mercy, he is willing to help us.
The keyword there is willing. In other words, as the writer of Hebrews says, he is able to help us.
God is not going to take over our lives. He is not going to hook us to strings and lead us around like puppets.
When the enemy dangles temptation in front of us, we must ask God to help us get through the temptation.
Experiencing a Temptation is different than a Test
We must also be willing to grow through the experience because if we don’t it will come again. God will not tempt us, and He will not allow Satan to tempted with more than we can handle.
God will, however, allow a temptation to happen to us, as a test. Not a test for Him, but for us. It helps us realize that we will no longer yield to that particular temptation anymore.
It is a test, to assure us that we have a victory over the enemy in that area of our lives.
Check out this related post called How To Endure The Tests And Temptations Of Life
Lord, we don’t like to experience temptation, but we understand they are necessary so we will lean more and more of you. Thank you for standing by us in our times of need.
You would enjoy reading the cornerstone post on discipleship. It’s called How To Be An Effective Devoted Disciple Of Jesus.
You can read the entire chapter of Hebrews 2 here
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