Judges 3

Although we have explored this idea before, let us return once again to the difference between the test and the temptation. There is a critical difference as Satan is the tempter, never God. However, God does often test us as indicated here in Judges 3. The text reads that some nations were intentionally left in the land, not driven out supernaturally before they arrived as with some other tribes, so that this new generation could develop the ability to war. This was essential because God wanted His nation to not only possess the land but to be able keep the prize.

Testing is different than tempting in that tempting hopes failure and testing hopes success. Satan always desires that we fail while God always hopes that we overcome. God never tempts because He never hopes failure for us. Satan never tests because he never hopes success for us. The Book of James tells us that if we submit ourselves to God and resist the Devil, he will flee (James 4:7). This is the strategy for success for both tests and temptations...press in deeper to God and we will always overcome regardless of the circumstances that motivated our trial.

Pastor Fred