By Wendy Neill, IRSM Advancement Coordinator in Arkansas
As you may know, our theme for this year as a ministry is “Committed to Christ, 24/7 in 2024.” This month, we are focused on being Committed Disciples.
James, the brother of Jesus, was a prominent leader among the New Testament churches. He wrote the book of James to early Christians, and he leads off with a pretty shocking statement: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds” (Jas 1:2 NIV). Joy is not the emotion I usually feel when I face trials. So why does he say that? Let’s keep reading: “...because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (Jas 1:3-4).
Joy comes from knowing that those trials do the important work of producing perseverance, making us mature and complete, so we don’t lack anything. I can get more excited about that.
But what really ramps up my joy is found further down in verse 12: “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” (Jas 1:12). Now I’m with you, James! I can see the process and how I can consider it joy:
Commitment to Christ -> Trials -> Perseverance -> Maturity -> Crown of Life!
In chapter five, James brings up perseverance again: “As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy” (Jas 5:11). Job went through extreme trials that I hope you never have to face. But James is reminding us: look what God did for Job in the end!
Like James, I am a big believer of keeping the end in mind, especially when it comes to Heaven. When we set our eyes, our minds, and our hearts on the “end game,” it makes it easier to keep putting one foot in front of the other in faith. My favorite verses about perseverance are the “overcomer” verses in Revelation, chapters two and three. Take some time to read those two chapters and look for this pattern: “To him who overcomes, I will give_______.” (NOTE: the NKJV uses “who overcomes,” while other versions use “who is victorious.”)
I’ll whet your appetite by giving you the first one: "To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God" (Rev 2:7b NKJV). James told us we will receive the crown of life if we persevere, but we learn from John in Revelation that we will also eat from the tree of life in Paradise! I can definitely feel joy when I keep that end in mind! Keep reading those two chapters and you will find more exciting promises for those who overcome.
We all face trials that test our commitment to Christ. Sometimes we must persevere through “big” trials:
- Trusting God through a medical diagnosis that turns our world upside down.
- Holding His hand through the unexpected death of a loved one.
- Bringing Him our doubts about His plans.
Sometimes we persevere through our everyday, “mundane” trials:
- Stopping those hurtful words from escaping our lips during an argument.
- Turning our eyes away from images that corrupt our minds.
- Extending grace and acceptance to the coworker who is hard to be around.
Big or small, God sees your perseverance and will reward you.
Are there “big” trials you are facing right now? What “mundane” trials do you struggle with? Which of the “end game” promises above would help you persevere in your commitment to God?
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Gal 6:9 NIV).