Enduring To The End
Blessed is the man who endures temptation [trials].
James 1:12
The word endurance in today’s verse speaks of patiently and triumphantly enduring. It connotes passive or even painful survival and focuses on the outcome of being victorious. The person who goes through trials and comes out a winner never gives up his faith or abandons God. He is shown to be the genuine article.
Some people come to church, profess Christ, and even get baptized. Yet when trouble comes into their lives, they’re gone. And they may never come back. Maybe they encountered a broken relationship, the death of a loved one, or some other struggle, and the circumstances were so overpowering that they blamed God and walked away, convinced that Christianity doesn’t work.
As believers, we may experience times of struggle and doubt, but our faith will never be destroyed. We cling to the Lord despite our trials because we love Him. That kind of loving perseverance results in true blessing.
MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : A daily touch of God's grace (Page 306). Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman.
Lessons Learned: True believers have a faith that cannot be shaken. Many professed Christians will stumble and fall away when challenged by trouble and pain, but a genuine believer will endure trials and tests because they trust and love our God. They may still experience doubt and uncertainty, but they will never err in unbelief. They persevere in faith knowing that their perseverance produces character, and character produces hope (Rom 5:3-4). And hope is God's blessing to those who love Him.
Applications: Continue to trust in God regardless of any hardship or trouble we may experience. Study scripture to better understand God's goodness, His omnipotence, and His faithfulness. When we properly understand those attributes, we can have confidence and faith in God's sovereign will. Then we can endure any trial God sets before us without wavering.
Prayer Subjects: Pray for wisdom and discernment in studying God's word. Pray for the Holy Spirit's help in understanding God's sovereign will. Pray for a genuine, heartfelt love for God that inspires trust to persevere through trials and temptations.
Listen to this entry
James 1:12
The word endurance in today’s verse speaks of patiently and triumphantly enduring. It connotes passive or even painful survival and focuses on the outcome of being victorious. The person who goes through trials and comes out a winner never gives up his faith or abandons God. He is shown to be the genuine article.
Some people come to church, profess Christ, and even get baptized. Yet when trouble comes into their lives, they’re gone. And they may never come back. Maybe they encountered a broken relationship, the death of a loved one, or some other struggle, and the circumstances were so overpowering that they blamed God and walked away, convinced that Christianity doesn’t work.
As believers, we may experience times of struggle and doubt, but our faith will never be destroyed. We cling to the Lord despite our trials because we love Him. That kind of loving perseverance results in true blessing.
MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : A daily touch of God's grace (Page 306). Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman.
Lessons Learned: True believers have a faith that cannot be shaken. Many professed Christians will stumble and fall away when challenged by trouble and pain, but a genuine believer will endure trials and tests because they trust and love our God. They may still experience doubt and uncertainty, but they will never err in unbelief. They persevere in faith knowing that their perseverance produces character, and character produces hope (Rom 5:3-4). And hope is God's blessing to those who love Him.
Applications: Continue to trust in God regardless of any hardship or trouble we may experience. Study scripture to better understand God's goodness, His omnipotence, and His faithfulness. When we properly understand those attributes, we can have confidence and faith in God's sovereign will. Then we can endure any trial God sets before us without wavering.
Prayer Subjects: Pray for wisdom and discernment in studying God's word. Pray for the Holy Spirit's help in understanding God's sovereign will. Pray for a genuine, heartfelt love for God that inspires trust to persevere through trials and temptations.
Listen to this entry
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home