Children of God Endure Trial and Temptation
Lynnae Ylioja | The Shepherd’s Voice December 2025/January 2026 - Home and Family Article –
Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial – James 1:12 (NIV)
Blessed is the man that endureth temptation – James 1:12 (KJV)
When you read this Bible verse in two different versions, you may notice different words being used. One version uses the word trial and the other uses the word temptation. The Bible was written in other languages long ago, so when it is translated into English, people choose words that help us understand the meaning. In this verse, both words describe hard times that test our faith – things that happen to us and times when we feel pulled to do wrong.
We as children of God sometimes face trials and temptations. Trials can be something like being sick, or when someone we love passes away. Temptations are when we really want to do something that we know we shouldn’t do. But even if we fall into temptations, we can ask for forgiveness.
God allows trials in our life to make our faith stronger. Even in the middle of these situations, we can trust that God will protect us. We can ask our parents, siblings, or friends for forgiveness if we have done wrong or when we feel down. The gospel provides us strength to continue among trials. Through every trial and temptation, God stays close to us.
Things to visit about:
1. Tell about a time when you faced a trial or temptation and God helped you.
2. What are some ways we can stay close to God when life feels hard?