Blessed Is A Man Who Perseveres Under Trial
James 1:12 NASB2020
Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.
There is a crown of life that awaits us. This crown of life is not received because of our performance or hard work. The crown of life is received because we have preserved in faith and have built our lives on Jesus Christ. There are many things the enemy will use to destroy and bankrupt our faith. But as we abide in Christ each day, it is the Lord who will strengthen us and enable us to overcome.
When we view trials from the perspective of God we see that there is actually a blessing in the hard things we go through. Trials can take on all different forms, The common denominator between trials is they often are uncomfortable and they will often push and challenge us. They will stretch our faith. But the blessing in the trial is the growth and pruning that takes place in our lives. Those the Father loves He prunes. Pruning is essential for growth because as God cuts away things that would hinder our growth in Him, from the pruning comes kingdom increase.
Here James says blessed is the man who perseveres under trial. When we are in the middle of a trial it is like being in a crucible. When they desire to refine precious metals they will place them in a crucible. The purpose of a crucible is to remove the impurities. The same stands for our lives. As we endure the trials we are facing, the impurities are removed from our lives and we come forth as pure gold and grow into greater levels of maturity.
But our greatest hope as Christians is the crown of life that awaits us. We will rule and reign with Jesus someday. The world we live in is passing away. The only way we can truly endure hardship and the testing we will face as followers of Jesus is to abide in Him and remain close to Him. There is a supernatural strength that comes when we abide in Christ. It is the work of The Holy Spirit in our lives. May we always remember that it is the Lord who has first loved us. It is the Lord who has chosen us. He knows all of our mistakes and short comings. But may our minds and hearts be fixed upon Him and Him alone.
Prayer
Father, help me today in my weakness. Help me to keep my eyes fixed upon you and to know that no matter what I face, that you are faithful. Help me to live each day to glorify and honor you. That in all things my heart and life would be fully surrendered to you. Give me wisdom in the midst of every trial and may my heart and mind be fixed upon you alone. Thank you for your strength and your help on a daily basis. In the name of Jesus, Amen!