“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

Here, James returns to the issues of trials (v. 12). There is an end goal to persevering through trials. Such a person is ‘blessed’ and promised a ‘crown of life.’ This beatitude tells the community that, despite their circumstances, their perseverance under trial is not a pointless exercise. There is a future hope for all those who love God.

The problem for some of us when going through trials is, of course, the temptation to blame God, questioning his goodness. James will have none of that thinking. If trials lead to sin, that is because of the ‘evil desires…’ within us (see v. 14), which are entirely our responsibility. Note how, in verse 15, James moves from conception through birth, maturity, and death. Evil desires might start small, but if they are nurtured, the end result is not a future hope but a future destiny devoid of such hope. The antidote is given in verses 16–18. Focusing on God’s character helps to keep our minds fixed on the blessing that perseverance under trials will bring.

Contrary to the world’s values, God’s blessing does not mean an easy life. Countercultural living means understanding blessing with a completely different mindset. Do you need to reset your thinking about what blessing means in your life?

CLOSING PRAYER

O God, thank you that I can always trust you to help me persevere; whatever are my circumstances, you are with me.

(Edited from Encounter with God)