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 has promised to those who love Him.
How is it that so many of us, God's children, find it so difficult to find happiness in our life here on earth? If we are in God's Word, daily, we are bound to run into the phrase, "Blessed is the man." In other words, "Happy is the man." In today's verse we will find out how we can be happy while walking through trials. I know that sounds like an oxymoron, but with the Spirit working in and through us, this is completely possible. We are told that, "happy are we if we endure temptation". What James is saying is that we find blessing(s) when we patiently endure tests that cause us suffering. However, the word temptation here is interesting because it means "a putting to proof [of good]" and also "experience [of evil]". So the source of the test may come from evil, but the result of patiently enduring will always work out for our good, when we patiently endure; allowing God to work it out for our good and His glory. Not only do we come out on the other side being more like our Lord and Savior, but we are promised, by the Lord Himself, that we will receive the crown of life, that we will lay at His feet. What a magnificent reward system! God does the work as we trust Him and patiently endure; then He gives us the reward. But wait...lest we disqualify ourselves from receiving such a wonderful and undeserved reward. He goes on to tell us that those of us who receive this promise are those of us who love Him. This is the one part of God's promise(s) that always seems to be left out when we quote Scripture. How often do we hear people quote Romans 8:28, "All things work together for good", but they leave out the part that says, "to those who love God"? Today's promise is no different. We are promised that the outcome of patiently enduring will be good, and will yield heavenly treasure, but it will be for those of us who endure while demonstrating our true love for Jesus. In other words, we must endure difficult times by obeying God's commands, regardless of what the outcome might be. Jesus told us in John 14:15, "If you love Me, keep my commandments." In the end it is not just about enduring difficult times, but more about how we endure difficult times. So, endure the trial(s) patiently, but continue to love Jesus through it all; it will be well worth it in the end.
Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Rom 7:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive His free gift of salvation today (Rom 10:13).
No comments:
Post a Comment