April 3, James 1:12

We all love to be rewarded for our work. When Cheng Kee topped his class, his parents rewarded him with a new bike. When Lin Leng came in second in the 100-metre race, she received a medal.

In the Bible, rewards or prizes are frequently mentioned. James talks about them in his book too. A crown of life awaits a Christian when he finishes the journey on earth. A Christian’s life on earth is a journey that can be filled with troubles. Life is never a bed of roses. Christians are encouraged to persevere to the end despite trials and difficulties. This is because the blessing of the crown of life, which includes eternal life in the presence of God awaits every Christian.

Learn from some men of God whose lives were under trial. There was a young man who was thrown into a pit by his own brothers, then sold as a slave. In Egypt, he was wrongly accused and put in jail.

Who was he? Answer: _______________

Here is another man – he was exiled, lived in an enemy’s country, and for standing up for God, put into the lion’s den.

Who was he? Answer: _______________

The third character was, when as a baby, put into a small floating device to escape being drowned in the Nile River. At the age of 40, he ran away from the Pharoah who wanted to kill him. Forty years later, he was back in Egypt convincing the Pharoah to let the Israelites go, which was a most difficult task. He was _______________

These men of God kept following God and did not give up. In the end, they received their reward, the crown of life.

When you are discouraged and feel like giving up because the Christian life is too hard, think about these men who remained faithful in spite of difficulties. When you feel tempted to do something wrong – such as say a nasty word, think unkind thoughts, laze instead of studying, disobey mum or dad – pray hard! Look to God for strength!

Dear child, remember that you cannot live your life with your own strength, but with the strength God gives. Isaiah 40:29-31 gives us these comforting words. When you press on to the end and depend on God’s strength, you will surely receive the crown of life.

Thought: How do you get the crown of life?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me look to You when I have difficulties and not give up. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.