„Do not lead us into temptation”

Do not lead us into temptation

Question 

How can we discern the correction or the trial that comes to us from God, and one that occurs because of the devil?

Answer

1. Very often it is not only because of God or the devil that we fall into dangers, trials and infirmities, but because of our own lack of judgement and carelessness, as happens to those who can see a stormy change of weather coming and nevertheless take their ship out of the harbour, or those others who fling themselves into danger.

2. However the trial from God that comes upon someone for that person's good never eradicates good hope from the soul, such for example as in the case of Job; so he could say to God. I wait for you, until I come into being once more, and you set me a time when you will remember me (Job 14, 14, 13).

3. On the other hand, the trials that (with God's permission) come on from the devil fill the soul with despondency, anger and hopelessness.

St Anastasios of Sinai, Questions and Answers, 90, CCSG 56, p. 144 (trad. J.A. Munitiz)