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."
Perseverance is, by definition, a difficult thing. It asks us to withstand tension, sometimes to the point of breaking us because of the strain. But, as James is writing here, perseverance is about staying steadfast in enduring the trials that test us, and in so doing we will be refined and rewarded. The point is that we would remain steadfast whilst under the taxing struggles of this life. So let us not grow tired of being perseverant for if we are we will receive blessing from God.
Showing posts with label trial. Show all posts
Showing posts with label trial. Show all posts
Sunday, March 23, 2014
Saturday, January 11, 2014
Psalm 118:5-6–Comfort in Distress
Psalm 118:5-6–"Out of my distress I called on the Lord; the Lord answered me and set me free. The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?"
Every human who has lived or who will ever live will experience distress. It is not outlandish to claim that distress is the human condition. But this is but a portion of the story. As Christians, we understand that the trials and stresses of this life are as a result of sin. We also assert that distress and tribulation are but temporary discomforts that pale in comparison to the vast awesomeness of God and His goodness. This means, at the very least, that when we are held under the seemingly-insurmountable weight of life, that we can have a confident hope in the knowledge of God. We can face distress with hearts solidified not because we feel so strong ourselves, on the contrary! We understand that our confidence rests solely on the greatness of the Lord God Almighty!
Let us never, not ever forget this.
Every human who has lived or who will ever live will experience distress. It is not outlandish to claim that distress is the human condition. But this is but a portion of the story. As Christians, we understand that the trials and stresses of this life are as a result of sin. We also assert that distress and tribulation are but temporary discomforts that pale in comparison to the vast awesomeness of God and His goodness. This means, at the very least, that when we are held under the seemingly-insurmountable weight of life, that we can have a confident hope in the knowledge of God. We can face distress with hearts solidified not because we feel so strong ourselves, on the contrary! We understand that our confidence rests solely on the greatness of the Lord God Almighty!
Let us never, not ever forget this.
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
James 1:2-4–"Count it All Joy in Meeting Trials"
James 1:2-4–"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
Many times have I read this verse with a level of incredulity. I mean, doesn't James have this wrong? Joy, really? We are called to have joy? But over the years and with the presence of the Holy Spirit, I have come to accept that James is saying something incredibly profound and, quite frankly, amazing. To be sure, James, and the witness of the Holy Spirit, are exhorting believers to have right perspective when we are faced with tribulation. However, we should not merely think of this passage as only a commandment; it is also a promise. The promise is that trials are a source of joy for believers. This is not to assert that they are joyful to be in but, rather, that trials impart a sincerity and depth of character that we would never receive otherwise.
Therefore, we should strive to have this attitude among ourselves to face trials with joy, understanding that it is through trials that we would grow to be more Christ-like.
Many times have I read this verse with a level of incredulity. I mean, doesn't James have this wrong? Joy, really? We are called to have joy? But over the years and with the presence of the Holy Spirit, I have come to accept that James is saying something incredibly profound and, quite frankly, amazing. To be sure, James, and the witness of the Holy Spirit, are exhorting believers to have right perspective when we are faced with tribulation. However, we should not merely think of this passage as only a commandment; it is also a promise. The promise is that trials are a source of joy for believers. This is not to assert that they are joyful to be in but, rather, that trials impart a sincerity and depth of character that we would never receive otherwise.
Therefore, we should strive to have this attitude among ourselves to face trials with joy, understanding that it is through trials that we would grow to be more Christ-like.
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