Count it all joy!

James 1:2-4

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

We are tempted only by sin, and put through trials only by God's grace, for his glory. We are redeemed for the purpose of growing closer to God's goodness, kindness, and perfection. We are pulled apart from God, by temptation and pulled back to God, by his mercy, through trials. The difference is immense. Praise God! For His summoning through and by tribulation. Praise God! For his willingness to pull us closer by way of trial. Yes, God is too holy to be in the presence of our sin, and too jealous to allow temptation. So rejoice in trial for it is the desire from God in us, which makes us turn around and face the temptaiton and tempter and to, in God's name, pursue the trial back to God. Glory to God!