The blessing of endurance
The blessing of endurance
God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. James 1:12 NLT
From the text, James emphasized what can excite a Christian to live their new life pleasing to God. The thrill comes from receiving the “crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” He is obviously drawing an inference to athletes preparing to run the race. The preparation includes stripping everything that would weigh them down and the focus is crossing the finish line. In the finish line awaits a reward that Jesus bestows. They receive a glorious reward that they will enjoy with God in His presence for eternity. There at the finish line is the Lord Jesus Christ greeting them and will crown them. It was because of their relationship with Him and His working in their lives that they were able to persevere until the end. Outlook determines outcome. True followers of Christ will “patiently endure testing and temptation.” And because they persevered, they will be rewarded. Growth in Christian character is a great blessing. Knowing that our lives are providing a testimony to God’s name because we are enduring difficulties in life is also a great blessing. There will be times of adversities in this side of eternity but what awaits the believers is the glory and enjoyment of the crown of life. The difficulties in life are what will prove of our faith in God. Trusting God and holding on to His grace during times of trials reveal that our trust is in Him. Our sufferings in life will help us realize that the best is yet to come and that we have to go through them for our edification and purification. “But he knows where I am going. And when he tests me, I will come out as pure as gold” (Job 23:10). We endure the testing in life because we love and trust God. It is our love to God that motivates us to follow and obey His will for our lives. The children of God that know they are loved by God will love Him back. They will not fall apart and will not drift away from Him for they will always be drawn to His love. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing” (2 Timothy 4:7-8).
Blessings,
