‘Why do you ask me about what is good?’ Jesus replied. ‘There is only One who is good…’ Matthew 19:17
Jesus is approached by a man; the text identifies him as possessing youth and wealth, a heady combination, yet his question to Jesus is directed toward his salvation.
‘Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?’ (ibid 19:16)
Another form of trial is temptation, but if God instigates tests, would he also tempt any to do evil? James makes clear that would violate his nature. So how does the follower of Christ distinguish between trials, by origin or motive?
When tempted, no one should say, ‘God is tempting me.’ For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. (James 1:13-14)
πειρασμός peirasmos (G3986) translates trial but is also the word translated ‘temptation’.
Scripture tells everyone that God subjects the followers of Christ to trials and tests, so as to check faithfulness, and it is natural that no one enjoys this process. Nobody likes being checked and measured, yet it is God’s purpose for mortal life, it is the proving ground of the soul.
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. (James 1:2-3)
Greek word: πειρασμός peirasmos (G3986) translates trial meaning test or a proving process. It can also mean adversity and calamity.
God Breathed Words 