What Blessing Will I Receive From This Painful Experience?

James 1:12, “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 that love him.”

During 2022 my word for that year was “gentleness.” I consistently kept seeing verses on that virtue and was given many instances to develop that quality and fruit of the spirit, though not always successfully executed. Now it is 2023 and the importance of “endurance” is what is before me in this new year. Another word for this is “perseverance.” What would be your word for 2023?

The quality of perseverance endurance and patience is consistently grown and needed during any trial. James keeps emphasizing this throughout James 1. I think it is easier to gauge my keeping on keeping on, after a trial, than in the heated middle of it. My prayer time is also expanded while I am experiencing a problem in comparison to when I am not.

I don’t always remember a trial is temporary. I don’t always think about the resulting blessing when going through a trial or about receiving the crown of life when I seek the Lord’s wisdom in the difficulty I am experiencing, do you? Crowns are associated with royalty. The crown of life is mentioned in James 1:12 and promised as a reward of eternal life – living with God forever. That flight will never be grounded due to bad weather or the FAA!

Galatians 5:22-23 states, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” The test is how can we model the fruit of the Spirit when going through a trial? I often find that to be a challenge. How can I display Christ-like attitudes over my emotions during those instances? It goes back to being forced to mature in those qualities when under pressure, with endurance. There is that word again.

“The crown of life is one of three spiritual crowns specifically mentioned in the New Testament. The crown of life is the most significant . . .” Evengelicaloutreach.org. The crown of life is specifically for those who have remained faithful to the Lord despite trials or temptations. It takes humility. It takes spending time in prayer with God seeking His wisdom and guidance and direction.

• Are you able to withstand a trial without receiving a miracle? No one wants to be in the situation where you need one.
• How is your ability to have more compassion from undergoing a trial?
• “God never calls us to do something we’re capable of. God calls us to do things that are beyond our ability, so He gets all the credit.” Mark Batterson.
• Could it be that what you are enduring right now, God wants to accomplish for your good and His glory? Read over James 1 for review.

Remember, God knows your name (Isaiah 43:3). God goes before you (Deut. 31:8). You are a child of God (Romans 8:16) and you, as a child of God, belong to royalty. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead lives in you (Ephe. 1:18-20). Remain steadfast because you have the crown of life awaiting you for all eternity. Focus today on who God is and thank Him for all He has done in your life and helped you realign your life in His hands. What blessing will you receive from your painful experience? Ask to see things through God’s eyes as you are in His presence. He has eternal blessings planned for you. James 1:12 says, “A man who endures trials is blessed, because when he passes the test he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.” HCSB.

Listen to Brandon Heath – Give Me Your Eyes (Official Music Video)