This post is part of the series His Encouragement
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Welcome! Welcome, dearest friends, to His Encouragement: Biblical Inspiration for Your Thursday. Every Thursday, a few blogging friends and I will each bring you a Bible passage and a little hope-filled discussion. We pray that these Thursday posts help you end your week strong in God’s love and purpose for you.
Today’s Encouragement
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.
—James 1:12, ESV
The Book of James is not a large book, but it contains some of the most practical advice regarding living a godly life found anywhere within the New Testament. I admit that I do not read it often enough, but when I do, I am always amazed at how down-to-earth it is. The clear, simple, yet profound lessons taught in James can be applied to our lives and our churches immediately.
Today’s verse is taken from James 1:12, and while I would love to dive deep into the context (See verses 12-15.), that would turn this encouraging devotional more into a deep Bible study. Perhaps another day! Instead, let’s take a quick look at verse 12.
“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial…”
Unfortunately, the great majority of us have gone through, are currently going through, or will go through trials and challenges in our lives. While our trials may be similar, at the same time they are unique to each of us.
Though I have experienced the loss of a mother and you might have lost your mother, too, our journey through that experience is distinct and individual — influenced by the circumstances, our personalities, our viewpoints, our beliefs, etc. We can empathize with one another’s pain and provide encouragement and compassion, but we cannot fully and completely know what the other is going through.
However, the Lord can. Hebrews 4:14-16 speaks of Jesus as our great high priest who understands firsthand the challenges we face throughout our mortal lives because He experienced them, too. Because of His great love for us, we are told: “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (vs 16)
We should never fear to take our petitions and needs to God because He loves us and is filled with grace and mercy towards us. When we need help — no matter how big or small it may seem in our eyes — we have the privilege to be able to take it to the Lord in prayer. So when you are facing a great challenge or stuck in the middle of a trial, go boldly to the throne of the Almighty for help.
That brings to my mind Exodus 14:14. “The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.” If we ask and trust in Him, the Lord will fight our battles for us!
This goes right along with the rest of James 1:12.
“…for when he [man] has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.”
Dear friend, I do not know what you are struggling with today but remember that the battle belongs to the Lord. You do not have to fight on alone. He will help you overcome, to remain steadfast under whatever trials you face, whatever issues you struggle with. Even though it may be impossible to see or understand it right now, there will be a blessing in the end. Perhaps not on this earth, perhaps you will have to wait for that crown of life at Christ’s return.
Don’t give up. Give it over to the Lord, because He loves you.
Be sure to also visit my fellow bloggers and read their encouragement for your Thursday as well:
- Trisha of Joy of Reading
- Nicole of The Christian Fiction Girl
- Jessica of A Baker’s Perspective
- Becca of The Becca Files
- Gina of Stories by Gina
- Rev. Rebecca Writes
Hi there, blogger. Would you like to join us in sharing encouragement from the Word of God every Thursday? Don’t be shy! Contact Trisha or Nicole today!
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Continue reading this series:
His Encouragement: Like a tree planted by water
I really appreciate your post today. I appreciate that acknowledgement that your loss and my loss may be similar in nature, but we are not feeling the grief the same way. But God knows exactly what we are feeling and how we are (or are not) dealing with that pain. It makes going to Him in our grief all the more important. Great post today! I very much needed it.
I am so glad this post was encouraging for you today! *hug*
Yes, everyone’s journey through grief is going to be unique. I was inspired to include this because of a few comments made towards my dad from people who felt he was not “sad enough” that he recently lost his wife because they saw him laugh once, and they “know” how someone who has lost a spouse “should” grieve because they had lost spouses, too. *sigh* What they fail to realize is that no two people are the same and no two people will grieve in the same way. We can empathize with someone’s pain and journey — especially if we have experienced a similar loss — but we are not walking in their shoes. Only God knows exactly how that person is really doing in their heart.
Trials seem to be the theme for today’s posts! I’m so glad there is “a light at the end of the tunnel”! I’m so thankful for the strength he gives us to stand fast during the trials of life. And I’m looking forward to those rewards at the end.
Me, too! <3