No Matter What...
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. James 1:12
Life is certain to include several trials and tribulations. Difficulties and challenges effect all our daily lives. These experiences sometimes sow seeds of doubt that can shadow our hearts to God’s real goodness. We might succumb to our despair and begin to question God’s love. How can these awful situations be allowed, especially upon those who have given themselves to Christ?
We have a vicious enemy seeking to cancel our faith in the goodness of God. His has a strategy to plant those seeds of doubt and to unsteady our faith. But as the verse says, blessed is the one who can endure life’s trials and tribulations. Such a person is one who is leaning on God’s power and might. One who knows it is God’s power that graciously grants us the crown of life promised to all who love Him.
The writer uses the word endure and I think it is very important to understand what that means for Christians. If I’m to live in God’s strength, then why do I sometimes feel weak in trying to deal with or understand the miseries of the world, (personal or in broader terms)?
Here’s how I understand endurance in this context. It is to wait patiently, trusting God to give me strength in my weakness. God doesn’t put us in an impenetrable bubble protecting us from all this fallen world throws at us. We don’t possess the capacity to stand firm alone nor by our own strength can we deal with, or understand, why bad situations exist. But in Christ we have the promise that His grace is sufficient. It is imperative that we are rooted and grounded in Christ. Praise be to God for His goodness and grace. Stand firm in Christ for the eternal benefit God promises, (the crown of life) and that through today’s trials and tribulations God’s glory can shine through for all to witness.
Heavenly Father, I pray that in Your sufficient grace I will patiently endure all the trials and tribulations that the enemy places in my path. Thank You for a grace that is sufficient, and I pray I can stand each day in this sufficiency and not rely on my own abilities for provision and strength. In Jesus’ name, AMEN.