Jesus was empowered after passing the tests. Temptation (Testing) will either strengthen or weaken, sweeten or sour, soften or harden, draw us closer to God or push us away. What determines the outcome? How we reacted when tested (tempted). Did we pass? If we pass the test God sends his Spirit to refresh and empower us even more than before the test. (James 1:3; Romans 5:3-5) More than that as James 1:12 states, “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.”
Do not think that you will not or have not been tested? God tests all, especially his children. (1 Thessalonians 2:4; Luke 8:13) Armies test their soldiers before and after battle. Police and fire fighters are tested before and after service. All professional occupations have some sort of testing required before advancement. Nature has mechanisms that continually test and refine too. God also tests his children. Jesus was tested and so was Abraham.
How we endure the test is important as it shows our character. The same sun will melt the wax and harden the clay. The character of the wax and clay determine the reaction, not the sun. (J. Vernon McGee) Don’t blame God when you fail, nor fail to praise him when you pass. No one is tested beyond their ability to withstand the heat. (1 Corinthians 10:13)
