Jesus was tempted by the devil for 40 days. That was completely under God's supervision. It was hard for Jesus, but He passed every test. We are tempted so God can see what we are really made of. Even if we cave in and fall, we have an advocate with the Father in heaven to plead our case.
Exodus 20:20 (New American Standard Bible)
<SUP id=en-NASB-2072 class=versenum>
20</SUP>Moses said to the people, "<SUP class=xref value='(
A)'>(
A)</SUP>Do not be afraid; for God has come in order <SUP class=xref value='(
B)'>(
B)</SUP>to test you, and in order that <SUP class=xref value='(
C)'>(
C)</SUP>the fear of Him may remain with you, so that you may not sin."
Please be careful:
Psalm 145:16 (New American Standard Bible)
<SUP id=en-NASB-16337 class=versenum>
16</SUP>You <SUP class=xref value='(
A)'>(
A)</SUP>open Your hand
And satisfy the desire of every living thing.
God will give us what we want...but we must be careful what we want!!!!
We are told to pray "lead me not into temptation". Does God tempt us? Good question. The devil does the dirty work, but God may allow him to.
Matthew 6:13 (King James Version)
<SUP id=en-KJV-23296 class=versenum>
13</SUP>And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
I found three places in the Old Testament that show God sending evil spirits to do work for Him. If that is true, then it stands to reason that He could also use the devil as well. Remember that the devil can do nothing without permission from God. We really need not fear the devil. If we are following God, God will turn all the devils schemes around so they actually work for our good instead of our harm.