James 1:12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.
Life brings us many trials and temptations. Some come from our own sin while others may come from the sin and actions of others, but those trials that come from things outside of our control really cause us personal challenges and difficulties. We will all have trials. Coming to an understanding that they are apart of life is essential in our Christian walk. Trying to avoid them is often futile and according to the Bible, we will never be able to avoid them.
How do we react when we are facing trials? Do we get frustrated and complain that we are having to face them or do we “count it all joy” that we are going through them? Do we run out and tell everyone we are going through this or that, or do we prayerfully seek the wisdom of the Lord through quiet time and prayer? Do we look at the here and now seeking the Lord for endurance or do we simply hope that one day in the future it will pass?
James tells us that the man who endures the trials of life is blessed. The word blessed in this verse means that we are happy or well off. It is hard to see how our endurance can make us happy, but once we endure we see the fruit of the trials. Endurance means that we are put to the test. James says in verse 4 that we are to let steadfastness, or endurance, have its full effect in our lives to bring us to the point of completion. God allows our trials to bring us to full dependence on him which brings us to a place of surrender. When we are reliant on him to get us through we will lack nothing to endure the trials.
When we stand the test we will receive the crown of life. Standing the test means that we have been approved. Back in the day this was written men would pour heated metal into molds to make coins. When a coin was shaved and met its proper weight it was approved for circulation. Often men would shave too much metal off the coins in order to “counterfeit” the coin and pass it off as the proper weight. When we stand the test, we are seen before the Lord as one who is approved in the faith. Our faith is genuine and is not counterfeit. We have stood the test and now receive the crown of life.
Jesus tells us that those who endure till the end will be saved. James is telling us the same thing here. When we endure the trials of life and our faith is not shaken, we will receive the crown of life, our eternal salvation, just as God promised to those who love him. Many professing believers fall away during trials. They become bitter at God and leave the church and walk away from their faith. James tells us that those who endure will be saved. It is a Biblical doctrine that has utmost importance in the Christian faith and one we should take seriously in not only our lives but the lives of those around us. Endurance during trials is not simply a good thought from the Apostle, it is what God uses to measure our faith. Though it is difficult, today I encourage you to seek the Lord during all of your challenges. Whether it be as small as being shorted the proper change at the grocery store or as difficult as being diagnosed with a terminal illness, God knows what you are going through and is there to bring you wisdom, comfort, and love during this time.
Prayer
Lord, help me endure the trials of life with patience and joy. I don’t fully understand how this trial I am facing is to bring me blessedness, but I trust in your Word and I trust that your promises are true. If you tell me in Romans that it is going to turn out for my good I want to believe that today. Help me with my unbelief. Amen