Jason Budd

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 (James 1:12, NIV).

        Sometimes I feel like we don't really get what it means to be "blessed."  Often, we express it as a feeling or an abstract idea that cannot be defined, but this isn't the case at all.  "Blessed" simply means to be fortunate or happy.  We are fortunate when we obtain something of value, and in turn that makes us happy!

        There are two ways to respond to trials: 1) give up and give in, or 2) persevere.  This passage tells us, however, that only the second way will result in being blessed–perseverance.  We do this by standing strong against the fierce test of trials, enduring till the end without having compromised our principles and beliefs.

        Now we understand that "blessed" means to gain something of value.  However, this verse is not like a fortune cookie, saying that you will gain something of value without specifying it.  We are told here exactly what we will receive–a crown of life; God has promised it to those who love Him.  Notice that with this verse the trial is defined even more.  Standing up to trials caused by our own lawlessness will not grant us fortune.  Only the love of God and standing behind Him and all that He stands for will refine us to be more purely the creatures He created us to be.  And only if we do that will the most valuable blessing be granted unto us–eternal life in heaven.

        How will you handle the daily battle against the trials that come your way?