Stand
(NIV) James 1:12 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. 13 When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14 but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. 15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
16 Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. (NIV) sisters. 17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 18 He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of first fruits of all he created.
Perseverance: persisting even in the face of conflict. During my life I have heard more than once a person ascribe tragedy as being caused by or brought about by God. In insurance, such an event is often termed an “act of God,” and while some events are covered, others, such as flooding, require a special rider with additional premiums.
The only premium we can pay to successfully traverse the trials of this life is found in a sustaining relationship with Jesus Christ. James clearly lines out in today’s scripture that temptations are not rooted in God, but begin with our own desires.
I often use the example of Eve, who, although she was aware of God’s restrictions upon eating of the fruit from the tree of good and evil, lingered in its vicinity. The more she looked upon the tree, the more she desired it, and when Satan twisted God’s words the hook was set. But James says blessed is the one who perseveres—not the one who wavers, or the one who makes excuses, but the one who holds fast, even in the face of trials.
May we begin each day with the knowledge that we have all we need to be world overcomers.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
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Seeking Holiness 