RPG Adults
BLESSEDNESS IN TRIALS
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 12
James 1:12
1 Peter 1:7
“…the trial of your faith,
being much more precious
than of gold…”
BLESSEDNESS IN TRIALS
What does it mean to be “blessed” (James 1:12)? Jesus used the same word in His beatitudes (Matt 5:3-11). It refers to a state of life experienced by the believer as he becomes a child of God by faith in Jesus. It is not just mere happiness and laughter, but an inner joy and contentment. It cannot be taken away from the believer, for it is a joy that the Lord Jesus bestows on those who are truly His. This is proof of a person having received Jesus Christ as his Lord and Saviour. Indeed, this blessedness is not from the transitory riches of this world.
Endurance: There is a blessedness in him who endures trials in life. The trials met are manifestations of God’s approval of him as His child. He overcomes the obstacles and hardships by the grace of God. He receives from the Lord a “crown of life” (James 1:12). A crown is a symbol of victory in ancient games. A believer’s perseverance attests to his being approved of God, and the crown of life is the evidence of his having everlasting life. When he endures the trials in life, he is “blessed” indeed.
Assurance: Eternal life is possessed by a believer when he repents of his sins and receives the Lord Jesus Christ. The trials in the life of God’s children (allowed by Him) is an expression of His genuine love. Remember, trials are not given merely to make a Christian suffer, but that he may be strengthened in his faith, that he may be “perfect and entire, wanting nothing” (James 1:4). Endurance in trials is the most excellent assurance that we have become partakers of the divine strength to persevere and conquer. Without trials, there is no blessedness of knowing God’s presence and no fulfilment of His promises in our lives.
Blessedness comes with the knowledge that God loves His saints. Trials are endured by those whom God has promised life eternal because they love Him. Yet we know 1 John 4:19.
Dear reader, are you enduring your trials? Or are you complaining and planning to give up? Remember the words of Peter in 1 Peter 4:12-13.
THOUGHT: I am truly blessed because of trials in my life.
PRAYER: Father, I thank Thee for the endurance Thou hast granted me and the blessedness that keeps me near my Lord Jesus Christ.