Begin with two minutes of stillness and silence before God.

I honestly don’t know if there is a more impactful chapter in the Bible to me than James 1. Not that any other chapter isn’t important or significant, but this one is jam-packed with so much truth, conviction, challenge, hope, and direction. It’s so good that it’s hard to know where to start. So, let’s focus on the big-picture difference between trial and temptation that James begins to unpack here.

Trials are situations allowed or sometimes even orchestrated by God to test our faith and build character. James 1:2–4 encourages us to "consider it pure joy" when we face trials because they produce perseverance. Trials refine us, revealing the depth of our trust in God and highlighting areas of growth. They’re not meant to tear us down but to strengthen our faith. Trials can come in all sorts of shapes and sizes: hardships in relationships, challenges in finances, health issues. There is nothing that feels good or particularly joyful about the pressing that occurs in trials. However, we are able to rejoice because of what is ultimately produced in us. The gold needs the fire to be refined.

Temptations, on the other hand, do not come from God. James is clearly making the distinction that "God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone," and that temptation arises from our own desires. Temptation is a lure to sin, to draw us away from God’s will. It involves an appeal to our personal weaknesses, exploiting desires that if acted upon lead to sin, and ultimately, spiritual separation from God (James 1:15). Temptation is the enemy’s strategy to derail.

When faced with trials, we ask God for strength and perseverance, trusting that He uses challenges for our ultimate good. Embracing trials with faith can transform hardships into opportunities for growth. It doesn’t change the pain or the pressure we feel. But we can choose to take on a different perspective, one that trusts in God’s ultimate goodness.

However, temptations should be met with resistance and reliance on God’s Spirit for self-control. (If you missed it go back and check out yesterday's devotion on 2 Timothy 1:7 for God’s promise of self-control through the Holy Spirit.) This may mean avoiding certain environments or habits that feed unhealthy desires. It may mean taking a break or ending relationships that do not cultivate God’s character. Guardrails and accountability are always important in avoiding the temptation to bite down on the lure of desire.

Take two minutes to reflect in silence.

Reflections:

• What was the last trial you walked through? Are you being tried now?
  
• How are you cultivating a perspective of trust and faith in the midst of the trial?
  
• What temptations are luring and enticing you now?
  
• How are you putting guardrails and accountability in place to help protect you?