As the student’s pencil scratches in the exam booklet, the teacher twirls his own pencil end-over-end, watching and waiting.

In one scenario, the teacher fidgets anxiously, willing the student to succeed, to apply each lesson and prove what they’ve learned. He’s proud of their determination and hard work. Yet with a flicker of worry he pleads silently that they recall their studies and trust what they’ve learned. It’s their time to shine.

The teacher is invested in the student’s growth, silently cheering for their success. He celebrates their achievements, just as God is for us and desires our victory in faith.

Now, contrast this with a different teacher—a sinister smile spreads across his face as he hums a doomsday tune, creating a tense atmosphere. He peers at the student over the twirling pencil, hoping to unsettle them, to make them stumble and fail. He relishes their mistakes, seeking to prove their inadequacy.

The first teacher mirrors Rabbi Jesus. He wants us to succeed. God allows trials to test our faith, not to see us fail but to give us opportunities to grow. Every test He presents is a chance to choose rightly and deepen our trust in Him.

The second teacher represents our adversary. The tempter, lays traps, hoping we fall. He entices us into sin and delights in our downfall.

The difference between a test and temptation

“Test” and “tempt” are often used interchangeably, but the original biblical languages more consistently distinguish between them. Tests refine us, strengthening our faith, while temptations seek to lead us away from God. The key difference lies in motivation:

• God tests us for our benefit, providing opportunities to trust Him and grow.
• The enemy tempts us to cause failure, drawing us away from God.

God does not tempt. Scripture states, No one, when tempted, should say, ‘I am being tempted by God,’ for God cannot be tempted by evil and he himself tempts no one. (James 1:13)

Examples of Tests for Growth:

• Abraham was tested when asked to sacrifice Isaac (Genesis 22). God wanted him to pass.
• Jesus urged His disciples: Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. (Matthew 26:41)

Examples of Temptations Designed for Failure:

• Satan tempted Jesus in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1).
• The Pharisees tested Jesus to trap Him (John 8:6; Matthew 22:35).

The difference lies in the one presenting the challenge. God tests to strengthen, while the enemy tempts to destroy.

Trusting God’s Wisdom

God is inherently good. He cannot desire our failure. Instead, He tests our trust, the foundation of strong relationships. When we pass His tests, our faith deepens, our relationship with Him strengthens, and He entrusts us with greater responsibility.

The enemy, however, seeks to sow doubt and lead us away from God. Just as he deceived Eve in the garden—Did God really say…? (Genesis 3:1)—he continues to challenge our trust in God.

When we succumb to temptation, the enemy rejoices. But our failures also reveal our need for deeper faith. Like the desperate father in Mark 9:24, we cry out, I do believe; help my unbelief!

Trials Shape Us

God’s tests are often difficult and unpleasant, hence the word trials. Yet, they mold our character, teaching us to trust His wisdom over our own and to rely on His strength rather than self-reliance. Through them, we become more like Jesus.

If we’re honest, many of our greatest temptations come from within. I want to be in control, to receive accolades from peers, and to pursue the more comfortable path. These desires sometimes tempt me to choose my way over God’s. James writes, One is tempted by one’s own desire, being lured and enticed by it. (James 1:14)

Like squeezing a sponge, trials reveal what’s inside us. When tested, do we trust God or lean on our own understanding?

A Prayer for Strength

Father, lead me not into temptation, but deliver me from evil. (Matthew 6:13)

A paraphrase might be:

God, I struggle to control my desires.
I would rather avoid trials, but I know they deepen my faith.
Strengthen me when I am weak and the enemy strikes.

Prepare to Battle Temptation

Believers must remain vigilant in spiritual warfare. Peter warns: Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. (1 Peter 5:8)

By putting on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:11-18), we can stand firm against the enemy’s schemes.

As we enter this Lenten season, let’s embrace the wilderness of testing. It won’t be easy, but our faith will grow. With God on our side, every test becomes an opportunity for victory.

More Lenten Questions:
It’s fair to ask “Why did the Holy Spirit shove Jesus into the wilderness to be tested“?
Another good questions is “Why do Christians open the Lenten season with an ash smudge?“

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