Steadfast

This is from December 21, 2012.

“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” James 1:12

This is a hard one. No one will ever tell you that this is easy. When we go through a trial it is hard to focus on promises like this one. Instead we feel like God has left us, abandoned us, forgotten us. We don’t seem to hear His voice. We don’t see His hand at work. All we see, hear, and feel is the trial that we are going through.

Even as I was writing this I was reminded that someone else felt the exact same way. He felt abandoned. He felt like God had left. “And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” that is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Matthew 27:46. Jesus endured the ultimate trial. He truly was separated from God when He died on the cross. Yet, He did not stay separated from God. He rose again.

As we go through our trial, we need to remember that He is with us. He wants us to remain steadfast. He wants to give us the crown of life. Why, because He loves us. Does it make the trial easier knowing this? Probably not, but it does give us hope that we can remain steadfast and He does reward those that love Him.