The Lodestar

Tests, trials, and temptations are not foreign to the Christian journey; they are integral to it. Knowing how to navigate through these is essential for personal advancement, resilience, and moral development. In this article, we explore the nature of tests, trials, and temptations, their significance, and strategies for overcoming them.

The Book of James advises us that we need restraint to overcome temptations (James 4:7). “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7).

Failing to overcome temptation often leads to deception (Genesis 3:13). Satan tempted Adam and Eve in the Eden Garden to eat the fruit that God told them not to eat. But they succumbed to temptation because of their own desires and broke God’s commandment.

But overcoming temptation leads to victory and growth in life as Jesus proved through his life. When the Devil tempted him in the wilderness, he outwitted the tempter (Matthew 4:1—11).

Abraham's life exemplifies the place of tests in the life of believers. God assessed his faithfulness by asking him to sacrifice his son Isaac (Genesis 22:1–19). Like testing gold, tests check believers' faithfulness. While temptations are from the Devil, test is from God as a tool in His hands. Tests are painful and tough. Tests demand self-denial and active participation to overcome. Those who want to follow Jesus must pass the test of denying themselves, taking up the cross and following him" (Matthew 16:24).

Trials are like tests, but they are caused by external circumstances, and a Christ-follower may have to go through adversities in life. It could come as rejection, persecution, and all that try to deter their progress in following Christ. But Christians should know that God will never test them beyond their limits. Moreover, they should rejoice in their sufferings, as Paul said that sufferings are steps greater glory in their life (Romans 5:3–5).

A genuine Christian life is one that always has tests, trials, and temptations. Recognizing and facing these challenges with the guidance of Christ is crucial. By relying on His teachings, believers can navigate tests by demonstrating faithfulness, resist temptations by remaining steadfast in their values, and overcome trials by addressing personal weaknesses and doubts.

(Elisha Nicholas Bharti is from Nainpur, Madhya Pradesh, presently serving on the Faculty at the Kairos Center for Theology and Leadership, Lucknow.)