Saturday Scripture Gold: James 1:12

Hello, friends!

Each week, I will take a verse (or two) from the Bible and dig beneath the surface to uncover the precious nuggets of truth, wisdom, and knowledge that lie waiting to be discovered. I pray that you too will be inspired to do some of your own digging into God's scripture!
- Rochelle

This week's Bible verse: James 1:12

As I slowly read this verse over and over to myself, a picture begins to appear like a vague figure slowly emerging through a misty fog. Gradually, it becomes quite apparent that James is writing to people who are struggling. People like you and I; your everyday, average person. And even though they are united now to Christ and learning to trust Him, their lives are full of difficulties. How then should they go through their trials as Christians? This is the question James seeks to answer for them and for us as well.

In the section just before this one, James deals with the rich and the poor. Our perception is that the rich, by definition, are immune from trials. James points out, however, that riches will fade away; they offer no real healing or solution to our trials. We can’t look to wealth as the answer to the trials that we face, although we are tempted to.

Most of us would agree that we certainly don’t feel blessed amid trials. In fact, we may wonder if we are cursed. We may also wonder in the middle of a trial if it is ever going to end; if there is any real hope that is going to turn out okay. In v. 12, as earlier, James reminds his readers that there is an end to this time that will be far more glorious than we can imagine in our present circumstances.

To endure (persevere) is not something that we do by sheer will power. To endure is to continue to turn to God as our only source of life. It is to count on Him to give us His presence and His peace throughout whatever we are facing. It is to live as if He is working His transforming and redeeming will through this current suffering. It is to wait on Him to give us wisdom and light when all we seem to have to offer Him is our darkness. What a reassuring feeling this is as we go through whatever troubles life may throw at us.

James tells us here that trouble is a test. It's a test and verse 12 says, "If you persevere through that test you'll be blessed and you'll receive a crown of life." Please note that since salvation is a free gift based on faith alone in Christ alone, (Eph 2:8-9, Ro 3:23-24) - no works permitted; the "crown of life" cannot be speaking of salvation to eternal life since such a crown is received as a result of persevering, or enduring under trial. The "crown of life", therefore, is clearly a reward and not a gift in repayment for continual works of service for the Lord by the already saved believer.

Jesus said, "In the world you will have tribulation," it just goes with life here. So we need to expect it. Any human, even Christ Himself here on earth, goes through it, trouble from family, trouble from friends, trouble on the job, in school, economic trouble, criticism, persecution, physical illness, disease, finally death and separation.

Let us take care, in times of trial, that patience, and not passion, is set to work in us: whatever is said or done, let patience have the saying and doing of it. Our sense of satisfaction comes from the source of God. The crown of life is promised to all who have the love of God reigning in their hearts. Every soul that truly loves God shall have its trials in this world fully made right in that world above, where love is made perfect.

Scripture: Hebrews 10:36; 1 Corinthians 13:6-7; 2 Thessalonians 3:13; Romans 5:3-4; Galatians 6:9; Revelation 2:13; James 1:2-3; 1 Timothy 4:16; James 5:11.

Let's Pray:

Father, You bless those who revere Your name and delight in Your commands. In the midst of inner turmoil or outer conflict I will not be shaken for my heart remains steadfast trusting in You and Your overall plan for my life. I want to remain firmly grounded as I overcome the daily obstacles common to all who live on earth. Help me to learn the valuable lessons along the way as I press on toward the goal for which You have called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Until next week...

God bless you,

Rochelle