13 No one undergoing a trial should say, “I am being tempted by God.” For God is not tempted by evil, and He Himself doesn’t tempt anyone.
I want to remind us of our definition of a trial: a test of faith, patience, or stamina through subjection to suffering or temptation. So often, when we are going through a test of faith or patience or stamina, and we are being tempted, we look to God for explanations and reasons. Why are we being tempted? And often ask, Why is God doing this to me? God does purpose trials and in them allows temptation, however, God will not tempt us to seduce us to sin. God does allow Satan to tempt us to refine our faith and to encourage a deeper dependency on Christ.
Digging a little deeper into this verse, I don’t want us to miss the comparison of God and us. God, the creator of the Universe! I discovered this verse is Deuteronomy that gives a picture of our God:
4 The Rock —His work is perfect; all His ways are entirely just. A faithful God, without prejudice, He is righteous and true.
As compared to our human nature, that can be swayed by the simpliest fleshy desires in just an instant.
My desire is to be tethered to The Rock and pass the test with flying colors! What about you?
The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Jas 1:13). (Dt 32:4) Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
