James 1:2-4,12 "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to all those who love Him." Trials, pressures, testing, temptation are all things that are common to life here on earth. It all started when sin entered the world. God never promised that He would take the testing out of our lives, on the contrary, the implication is that it will increase when our relationship with Him is established. Actually, He has promised us something far better than escape. He has promised us His constant presence, His peace, His joy, His love. He has promised us to overcome power, the keeping power of His presence as He accompanies us through the testing. The implication seems to be that as we continue to endure the testing, we learn to trust Him, to depend upon Him and to Love Him. As our faith is employed in these struggles, perseverance is developed. The joy comes as we see ourselves overcoming in His power and as we become aware of the pleasure that He takes in us in this life journey. When we ask Him into our lives to be our Savior, we receive eternal life. When we live overcoming lives, that eternal life becomes a crown of life. (See also Rev. 2:10)

Persevering Under Trial