Day 355: James 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

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)

It’s interesting how this letter comes full circle. In chapter one James writes: Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, when you face trials of many kinds because you know the testing of your faith produces perseverance (1:3). Then in chapter five: Be patient then, . . . until the Lord’s coming (5:7). Get it? Perseverance? Patience?

I don’t know about you, but my first thought when confronted by any trial is almost never joy. In fact, joy is probably the farthest thing from my mind. And yet it’s one of those paradoxes that the trials of life really are cause for joy.

God uses everything that comes our way in life – even the hard stuff – for our good. Trials stretch our faith and that produces staying power. The first time we get hit by something unpleasant and unexpected, we might go ballistic. Yet somehow everything works out and we realize God was there all the time. The next time, just maybe we’re not so quick to lose our cool. God has used previous trials to work into our lives perseverance.

Through these trials, God plants seeds of patience, which allows us to one day harvest a crown of life. Good trade.

Can you look beyond the trials to the promised joy?