NOVEMBER 12
A BLESSING FOR THOSE WHO ENDURE
James 1:12
Blessed is the man who endures temptation, for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord promised to those who love him. (WEB)
The calling of the Christian life is to live in the world but not be 'of' the world. While we enjoy every spiritual blessing in heavenly places (Ephesians 1:3), we are not immune to heartache and loss. Jesus told His disciples in John 16:33 that although trouble would come, they could overcome every obstacle because He had overcome... I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In the world, you will face oppression; but take heart! I have overcome the world.” (WEB)
The New International Version of today's Bible reading states: ... 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. (NIV)
There is a blessing for every beloved heart that persists through life's storms. Just as coal turns into diamonds under intense pressure, we are also shaped into the image of the Son by what we go through.
Now, I'm not saying we need to seek trouble in our lives to grow in godliness. The reality of the broken world system we live in is that trouble will inevitably come our way. The important question is: what do we do when it does? Do we complain and become bitter, or do we patiently endure, knowing that hardship is the loving discipline of the Lord (Hebrews 12:7)?
The good news is that the result of all our trials will lead to a harvest of righteousness (Hebrews 12:11) in us. As today's promise assures us, we can be confident that the crown of life awaits us at the end of our journey here on earth. My prayer today is that we find comfort in knowing that our God and Father is with us, even in the toughest of circumstances.
Though not all experiences are good, God has promised to work everything out for our good in the end (Romans 8:28). May we remember that persevering under pressure is temporary when compared to eternity living in God's unconditional, extravagant love.
Romans 5:3-5
3 Not only this, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering works perseverance; 4 and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope: 5 and hope doesn’t disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. (WEB)
Blessed is the man who endures temptation, for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord promised to those who love him. (WEB)
The calling of the Christian life is to live in the world but not be 'of' the world. While we enjoy every spiritual blessing in heavenly places (Ephesians 1:3), we are not immune to heartache and loss. Jesus told His disciples in John 16:33 that although trouble would come, they could overcome every obstacle because He had overcome... I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In the world, you will face oppression; but take heart! I have overcome the world.” (WEB)
The New International Version of today's Bible reading states: ... 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. (NIV)
There is a blessing for every beloved heart that persists through life's storms. Just as coal turns into diamonds under intense pressure, we are also shaped into the image of the Son by what we go through.
Now, I'm not saying we need to seek trouble in our lives to grow in godliness. The reality of the broken world system we live in is that trouble will inevitably come our way. The important question is: what do we do when it does? Do we complain and become bitter, or do we patiently endure, knowing that hardship is the loving discipline of the Lord (Hebrews 12:7)?
The good news is that the result of all our trials will lead to a harvest of righteousness (Hebrews 12:11) in us. As today's promise assures us, we can be confident that the crown of life awaits us at the end of our journey here on earth. My prayer today is that we find comfort in knowing that our God and Father is with us, even in the toughest of circumstances.
Though not all experiences are good, God has promised to work everything out for our good in the end (Romans 8:28). May we remember that persevering under pressure is temporary when compared to eternity living in God's unconditional, extravagant love.
Romans 5:3-5
3 Not only this, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering works perseverance; 4 and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope: 5 and hope doesn’t disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. (WEB)