LEARNING DAILY

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.

James wrote to tell Believers to count the trials they go through as “all joy.” You have heard that you can’t see the forest because of the trees (well some of you have heard this). It deals with losing sight of the big picture when you are going through trials. James is reminding Believers that their faith grows when tested by the trials; they are profitable to the Believer as he/she walks the narrow way. It is interesting that trials bring all to the same level, the same need. They come to the poor and the rich. The one who lives in the mansion as well as the one who lives in a tent, to the leader and to the follower. The difference comes in who one turns to! For the Believer the choice to continue following Jesus Christ brings His blessings.

The enemy wants a person to turn their trials into stumbling blocks, perhaps to even blame God and walk away from Him. This happens when one’s faith is not built on the Word of God or when the cares of the world become too much and they just give up what walk they have with God (Parable of the Sower). “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial.” Other translations say “endure” to indicate staying in God’s guidance. Blessed means more than just happy here; it speaks of one that is highly favored with God’s grace. It is that inner joy Believers have when they walk with Jesus that is not disturbed by the outward circumstances being faced because their trust and faith is centered in the promises of Jesus Christ.

When one “has stood the test” or preservers the testing, he/she stands with courage that comes knowing Jesus Christ has promised to walk through it with him/her. Look closely and see James is not saying one is blessed when experiencing the trial. It is persevering through it that brings the blessing. Revelation 2:10, “Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.” Trials come. Be faithful “even until death” and reap the reward of eternal life for enduring the test!

“The crown of life.” Do not misunderstand – your salvation does not depend on works nor your faithfulness. Eternal life for the true Believer was completed the moment you accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior.  The crown of life is an extraordinary blessing here and now, or when we enter Heaven, or both. God gives a greater blessing to those who trust Him and continue to walk with Him when tough times come. Whatever this exactly means, Believers can be assured that God is with them, giving His strength, character, endurance, and His grace to help us receive the crown He gives.