Journey through 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. — James 1:12
James finishes up this section with an encouragement to remain steadfast. Life is not a sprint but a marathon. This is a good time of year to be reminded to be steadfast. Often, we can start the new year with new goals and hope of change and growth. While decisions and goals are important for growth, lasting growth comes through steadfast perseverance.
Perseverance is not easy; it takes time. It takes consistency through hardships and trials. Steadfastness comes through remaining consistent day in and day out. Just like staying in shape doesn’t come from a new year resolution or a decision to eat better. True progress comes through consistently exercising even when it's cold out or you don’t feel good (or when you get a random snow storm in March).
James encourages us with the truth that there is blessing in perseverance. There is benefit in remaining steadfast even when we are experiencing trials. We will feel like giving up or throwing in the towel. While it may feel good in the moment to give up, it brings disappointment. Remaining steadfast under trial is not dependent upon our strength; it is dependent upon our reliance on God’s strength. He will help us endure as we look to Him for strength and hope.
David gives a good example of this. Before he was king of Israel, his men were so upset with David that they wanted to stone him. David and his men returned to their city to find that all their wives and children had been captured by a band of Amalekites. They were distraught and overcome with grief. They were facing a trial, and his men were ready to give up and take it out on David. David on the other hand strengthened himself in the Lord. He remained steadfast in the trial and found strength in the Lord to continue on.
And David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because all the people were bitter in soul, each for his sons and daughters. But David strengthened himself in the LORD his God.— 1 Samuel 30:6
We have the examples of many people in the past who have remained steadfast. God is faithful to those who follow Him. Not only that, we have the promise of future blessing from God. James tells us that those who are steadfast will receive the crown of life. While we do not know all the specifics of what the Crown of Life is, we do know that it is a blessing from God even above that of eternal life. It is a blessing given to those who persevere in the midst of trial.
Take James’s words to heart. There is blessing in faithfully following Christ.
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