Patiently Endure Testing

James 1:12 tells us, “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 those who love Him.”

Here, James is telling us that God promises to bless us when we patiently endure testing. This is not an easy thing to do and requires faith, trust, and complete confidence in God. During these times of testing, when we find ourselves strained and bombarded on every side with trials and challenges, we are never to disown God or turn away from Him; it is then that we are to hold fast to the love we have for God and more so, the love He has for us – God’s love never fails, His love is always faithful to His beloved children, His perfect love casts out all our fears.

Revelation 2:10, as it is written,

“Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor's crown. “

To patiently endure testing – severe hardship, tribulation, and trials – with unwavering faith in God is an act of courage and demonstrates to God, our love for Him. God has promised special rewards to those who stand firm and endure patiently – the ultimate of which is the crown of life. Let us look at some of those special rewards.

“And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” 

[1 Peter 5:10]

“For if we are faithful to the end, trusting God just as firmly as when we first believed, we will share in all that belongs to Christ.” 

[Hebrews 3:14]

“Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised. As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as his own children. Who ever heard of a child who is never disciplined by its father?” 

[Hebrews 10:36; 12:7]

“There will be so much more evil in the world that the love of most believers will grow cold. But the one who remains faithful to the end will be saved.” 

[Matthew 24:12-13]

“Many will be purified, cleansed, and refined by these trials…And blessed are those who wait and remain until the end.” 

[Daniel 12:10, 12]

So be truly glad, to Patiently Endure Testing, for there is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while. (see 1 Peter 1:6)

Amen †

Patiently Endure Testing ©2013 Shelley Johnson 19-Jun-13