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 (NIV)
“Well, at least no test lasts forever!” My 11-year-old daughter slurped yogurt for her after school snack as we discussed the insane amount of tests she’s been taking lately. In preparation for middle school, she had taken a multi-day math placement test on top of the standardized state tests and a few regular school tests.
My old brain was tired just thinking about how taxing it must be for her. But her bright reply of how every test has an end was a chipper reminder for me.
[tweetherder]No test lasts forever, whether it is a math test or a life test.[/tweetherder]
No matter how long and strenuous they are, tests eventually end. They may leave you drained of energy, but they end. Sooner or later.
It was just the reminder I needed days after learning that our landlord is selling the rental house we’re living in. Yes, hours after posting Part 2 of Following God into the Unknown, things got even more unknown. (Part 1 here, Part 2 here.)
So what do you do when you don’t know the answer to a test? Do your best and keep moving forward.
James urges those going through trials to persevere through the test because Jesus has promised a crown of life.
To persevere in these tough situations means to resist the urge to give up or forsake your faith, to stand firm, and stay true to the path God has called you to follow, even when everyone else is telling you to just give up. “Just curse God and die,” was even what Job’s wife said, to the most persevering man on record. But he didn’t give up on his faith or on God.
And that crown of life promised by Jesus? Crowns usually mean two things: Victory (think of a victor’s wreath in the old Olympics) and Royalty.
[tweetherder]You are a royal victor.[/tweetherder]
You are! No matter what trial you’re facing, how challenging the test: YOU ARE A ROYAL VICTOR.
As a follower of Jesus, you’re part of His royal family. And Jesus has already given you the victory–the life that is truly life, here in the midst of this taxing trial, you can still experience true, meaningful life. Plus, you have the promise of life eternal.
This temporary test? Put it in perspective of your Royal Victor’s Crown. A crown that no one and nothing can take away.
Stay the course. Persevere.
You’re a royal victor. Please remember that today.
Other lessons I’ve been learning lately (please join me on my Facebook page here for Monday meditations at 8:40 a.m. and Wednesday Word of Encouragement at 8:40. Videos are live, but available on my page after airing).
Living in the present, not yesterday or tomorrow. Email subscribers may need to click here to see the video.
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Building a Firm Foundation to withstand life’s storms. Email subscribers click here.
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