Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. (James 1:12, NIV)
It’s kind of hard to think about persevering when it involves a trial or a test. We instinctively know that having trials in our lives and facing tests of our faith and character is hard. Not only hard, they are often painful with consequences beyond much of our control.
And yet, James says there is a blessing in standing tall. There is a blessing in finishing the race.
Maybe you are catching something significantly missing in this passage. We are not being urged to be victorious in the sense of us personally winning the fight.
Why is that significant? Because we live in a culture where being “in it to win it” implies our own strength and ability.
But that is not what James is imploring us to do.
Our energy is to be spent in persevering. That means keeping our heads straight, staying focused on God, and remembering the battle belongs to the Lord!
Les, Jr. (Source: Article by Perry Noble, 21 Questions Leaders Must Wrestle With)
« Wrestling with James, Part 3
An enlightning post that now takes on such meaning in your life especially. I pray you will never forget these words and allow God to guide you and yours as the paths of time unfold. Remember He cares and has a purpose for you always.
Les, I know the trials you speak of…some we commonly share. Wanted to reach out to you, let you know you’ve been in my prayers and thoughts these last few weeks.
You may not remember me…I attend White House Church of Christ in White House, TN. My daughter was born with spina bifida. Hope that rings a bell.
These trials do make us stronger. I pray they just don’t make us brittle.
In Him,
Shawn
Les, sometimes I forget that His plans for us are already made up and that He knows every thought I have as well as every move I make. Though, it’s hard not to ponder – I just simply remind myself that He is in control. I pray in Jesus name, that during these times…you and I, all of us steadily focus on who created us all and that He loves us.
Amen