Both are common to the man of God.
The Lord sends a 'trial' to bring out the best in a believer; Satan 'tempts' a believer to bring out the worst in him.
James 1:2 tells us to 'rejoice when we fall into various trials', but in Matthew 26:41 Jesus tells His disciples to 'pray that they enter not into temptation'.
The source of a trial is external ... used by God for our growth and to draw us closer to Him. Temptation, on the other hand, is internal and strikes where one is weakest ... But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. James 1:14
Maclaren - Temptation says, `Do this pleasant thing; do not be hindered by the fact that it is wrong.' Trial says, `Do this right and noble thing; do not be hindered by the fact that it is painful.'
God does not 'tempt' ...
When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone. James 1:13
You know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:3-4
God wants you to trust Him in all circumstances. He desires that you see any failure, sickness, or loss as an opportunity. Your wise and loving Heavenly Father longs for you to submit to His sovereignty ... for it is only when you surrender to His Lordship that rejoicing in adversity can take place.
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds. James 1:2
It is in the testing of your faith that God’s purposes are brought to bear ... it is when the conditions are right for you to mature as a Christian. This causes you to reflect Jesus in a world that desperately needs Him.
If you have an abiding faith in His unfailing love, you will develop an attitude of 'patient expectation' ... a confidence that God is in control and will do what is best.
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