October 13

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds, — Jas 1:2 BSB

Many of us misunderstand the purpose of temptation. We see it as Satan’s attempt to destroy us.

While that may be Satan’s intention, God has a different purpose for allowing temptation. Even Jesus was led by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted. He couldn’t be our Savior until He had been tempted—tested and proven.

That’s why Scripture says, “Blessed is the one who endures temptation.” The blessing is not for those who never face temptation but for those who come through it victoriously.

It seems strange to read that we should consider it pure joy when we face various trials. We often regret seeing our friends go through hard times, and we certainly don’t enjoy facing temptation ourselves. But Scripture teaches that we can count it joy because blessings lie beyond temptation—blessings we can only receive by going through the trial.

Temptation, then, is an opportunity for growth and blessing.