Crown

 James 1:12 ESV

 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. 


God doesn't tempt us. The devil tempts us. God allows us to be tempted because he's testing us to help develop faithfulness in us.

This verse is counterintuitive. We wouldn't expect blessedness, or joy, to be associated with trials. Yet God would have us to see the big picture.

Trials themselves aren't joyful. Yet if we pass the test, there's a happy outcome. We get to receive a crown of life.

This verse could sound legalistic, like we earn our salvation. We must remember that it's all of grace. We love because God first loved us and gave Christ for our salvation.

'God Almighty, we praise you for blessing us even in our trials. May we receive the crown of life, by your grace, in Jesus' name, amen'.


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