P E R S E V E R A N C E

James 1:12

Have you ever met someone who seems to glow with enthusiasm and zest for life?  Have you ever talked with that person and asked from where that glow comes?  In the Bible we are given a good idea about the source of life that comes with a crown.

In the apostle James' letter at chapter 1 and verse 12 he writes, "Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been proven he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to those who love Him."  Most of us have experienced some kind of trial.  Trials like sitting too many minutes on the bench, the death of a friend or family member, watching our parents' marriage crumble, or battling with cancer just to stay alive.

James says that when we persevere under trial we will receive something called the crown of life and it will make us blessed.  To be blessed is to be contentedly happy, that would be nice, huh? 

What might the crown of life look like?  Have you ever seen anyone who has been through the fires of life and has come out the other side with grace and enthusiasm for life?  You probably know someone who wears the crown of life every day.  That same crown has been promised to us if we persevere under our trials.

Let's press on, through the hard times, through feeling unappreciated and under utilized, through broken relationships and physical pains.  There is a crown waiting for us at the finish line.  Press on toward the crown and toward being blessed of the Lord.

Bible Reading Plan:
John 10:1-10
I John 2:12-17
Ezekiel 29-30