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.
Impossible Is Nothing
On July 4, 1951, Florence Chadwick attempted to swim from Catalina Island to the California shore. The bone-chilling waves of the Pacific proved a larger challenge than the distance.
Just then, dense fog blanketed the whole area, making it impossible for her to see land. After nearly 15 hours in the water and a half-mile from her goal, Chadwick gave up. She went on to say to a reporter, “I’m not apologising in any way. If I could have seen land, I might have made it.
”
Not long after, she attempted the feat once more. A hazy cloud once again obscured the coastline, and she couldn’t see the beach. This time, though, she made it because she kept telling herself that land was close by.
She swam forward freely and confidently, achieving her goal. She even went two hours faster than the men’s record!
Enduring Trials
In this world, there is nothing that can take the place of perseverance. We have a huge catalog of many educated, talented, and genius men who have failed in everything they did just because they did not persevere. Half-baked tasks and half-fulfilled dreams eulogise the lives of all unsuccessful individuals. No matter the status of a believer, whether rich or poor, they must remain rooted in Christ and not reliant on their self-sufficiency and strength. In the school of faith, trials are not an elective; they are part and parcel of the syllabus. It is not a question of “if” we face trials’ but rather “when” we face them (1 Peter 4:12).
Blessedness is a long-term state underlying momentary pain or despair, whereas happiness is a fleeting sensation. Viewing trials from a radical attitude of blessedness is not denying the emotions or the hardships. Even Jesus cried after Lazarus died. Biblical joy in seasons of adversity and pain is not natural optimism. It is grief that is anchored on hope. Hope in God and the certainty of His promises (Psalms 30:5).
The Reward Of Perseverance
During athletic contests, the winner is usually given a victor’s wreath. Perseverance, too, has its work in our race. Having endured through trials and tribulations, we will also receive a crown. James refers to this as the “crown of life”. The journey for the believer is not only tough but also full of many hurdles. The victor’s crown is waiting for those who will not give up, for those who will push through by God’s grace to the end of the race. We all must expect James to write that the crown of life is promised to those who persevere, believe or obey the Lord. Instead, he says it is promised to all those who “love Him.”
Conclusion
Love for the Lord is the secret sauce that enables us to live in a way that pleases God. Jesus died on the cross voluntarily because of God’s love (1John 4:8). Our reaction to the personal struggles and sorrow we face in our everyday lives is often the deciding factor in whether or not we maintain our faith in Christ’s sufficient power.
Read more:Key Factors to Consider While Hiring Tiling Manchester Contractors?
