Persevering under trial

James 1:12 How do you react to pressure and being too busy?

Illustration by Microsoft Designer AI

“Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.”

‭‭James‬ ‭1‬:‭12‬ ‭NASB1995‬‬

Today’s Heaven on Wheels devotional is going to be short, primarily because this week has been extremely busy for me. I like to stay busy, but sometimes schedules collide and create a week like this one where seemingly everything happens at once. I taught a cooking class for our local senior center yesterday, did my first substitute teacher gig today for the fitness class that Barb and I have attended for years, and then had to attend a Zoom meeting and teach a group of people in a retiree group how to use the bulk e-mail system we use. We’re also getting ready for an impending trip and have to get the RV packed and ready.

I’m not complaining! In fact, this week’s furious pace gave me the inspiration for writing about today’s verse from James. When James was talking about “a man who perseveres under trial”, he meant a person who resists temptation. However, several Bible commentators used this phrase to describe any situation that creates pressure or hardship for the believer — a test in how one behaves or responds to situations.

Although I have been feeling the pressure the last few weeks, I feel remarkably calm and happy, and for that I have to thank the Lord. Back in the bad old days, I reacted badly to deadlines and would lash out angrily and continuously at people. I honestly feel the Holy Spirit has done amazing work on me, giving me the ability to “persevere under trial.” That’s what prayer and studying God’s Word can do for believers who seek His help!

What does James mean by “for once he has been approved”? Persevering through trials will reveal those who are genuine and strong in their faith.

I pray that this Spirit-driven life change in me will make it so I can, in the words of James, “receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him”. I pray that you, dear reader, persevere under trial as well and receive that crown of life.

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Heaven On Wheels Daily Prayer:

Today’s prayer is from Knowing-Jesus.com:

Heavenly Father, I pray that in Your sufficient grace I will stand firm in this evil day and in Your strength, I will patiently endure all the trials and tribulations that the enemy throws in my path. And what an amazing blessing to look forward to that after enduring temptations by relying on Your strength, You will reward me with the crown of life. Lord, Your blessings and love for me are more than I could hope or imagine. Thank You, in Jesus' name, AMEN.