Temptations and trials - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2025

No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.
1 Corinthians 10:13

Temptations and trials
Each of us experiences temptations and trials in our life on earth. The Bible shows us that not all temptations have the same source. Depending on where they come from, God’s Word gives us different instructions on how to behave. This is how we can be preserved on the journey of faith.

o There are temptations from within. They arise from our old, evil nature and seek to lead us to sin. The Bible tells us that when this happens we must realise that we are dead to sin (Romans 6:11). We mustn’t respond to them.
o Temptations also approach us from outside. These are the enticements of the world to sin. Joseph was once tempted to commit fornication in the house of Potiphar. According to the Bible, when we encounter this kind of temptation there is only one thing to do: flee immediately! (1 Corinthians 6:18; 10:14)
o Sometimes the devil also attacks us. This is a temptation from below. He wants to sow doubts about God and His Word in our hearts and lead us astray from the right path. In this case, the Bible calls us to resist the enemy with the Word of God. Then he will flee from us (James 4:7).
o There are also trials from above in our lives. This is when God Himself tests us. He does it in His wisdom to educate us for Himself. He wants our faith to become evident. In this testing, we need to humbly persevere (James 1:2–3; 1 Peter 5:6).

Today’s reading: Esther 2:1-10 · Proverbs 18:13-24