God's Purpose in Trials

Have you ever wondered why Jesus told us to pray, “Lead us not into temptation” when Scripture also says God does not tempt us?

It’s a confusing line that many believers quietly wrestle with. Some read it and wonder if God is the one setting them up to fail. Others endure hardship and secretly question, “Did God cause this?”

In this week’s episode of the Destiny Awaits podcast, I unpacked this very line from the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:13) and explored what Jesus really meant and how that single sentence can bring clarity and comfort in your most difficult moments.

🧠 Greek Word Study: What Does “Temptation” Actually Mean?

Let’s start with the Greek word used in this verse: peirasmos (πειρασμός).
This word in this verse is translated as “temptation,” but it's primary definition is more closely aligned with test or trial, depending on the context.

Jesus was not telling us to ask God to avoid anything hard—He was teaching us to pray that we wouldn’t be led into a testing that overwhelms us or causes us to fall. It's a prayer for protection, not avoidance.

🧱 God Doesn’t Tempt—But He Does Test

James 1:13 makes it crystal clear:

“Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am being tempted by God,’ for God cannot be tempted with evil, and He Himself tempts no one.”

That settles it—God does not tempt us. So what’s the difference?

• Temptation tries to pull us away from God and into sin.

• Testing strengthens our faith and reveals what’s inside of us so we can grow.

God allows tests to refine us, not destroy us. Like a good teacher, He prepares us beforehand—and when the test comes, He’s not punishing us, He’s revealing the progress we’ve made and helping us go deeper.

🔥 Trials, Not Traps

Too often, we treat every hardship like a trap or punishment. But trials can actually be training grounds.

In the podcast, I shared how testing is necessary for growth, just like building physical strength requires resistance. Muscles only get stronger under pressure—and so does our character.

Jesus Himself was led into the wilderness to be tested (Matthew 4:1), and yet He remained sinless. If He faced testing with the help of the Holy Spirit and the Word, so can we.

🙏 What Are We Actually Praying in the Lord’s Prayer?

When we say, “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil,” we’re not accusing God of tempting us. We’re saying:

“God, guide me away from any trial that would overwhelm me. Give me strength to stand, and deliver me from the traps of the enemy.”

It reminds us we don’t walk into trials alone. God goes with us, strengthens us, and delivers us.

💡 Key Takeaways from the Episode:

• God is not the source of your temptation. He never sets you up to fail.

• Testing reveals what’s in us and helps us grow spiritually, emotionally, and even relationally.

• Jesus invites us to pray for strength, clarity, and protection—not to avoid hardship, but to stand strong in it.

• There is a difference between being tested and being tempted. Understanding this frees you from shame and fear.

• We’re called to endure—and God provides grace and peace in the process.

🎧 Want to Go Deeper?

Listen to the full podcast episode here:
👉 God’s Purpose in Trials: Does God Tempt Us? (insert your Spotify or site link)

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Have a question from the episode? Want me to dive deeper into something specific?

Leave a comment below or send me a message. I’m putting together Podcast Snacks (short follow-up episodes) based on your feedback.

You weren’t meant to just survive trials. You were made to overcome them.

with much love,