Steadfast for the Prize

“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)

Remain steadfast in trials. Easier said than done! Jesus guarantees that in this world we will have troubles (John 16:33) and we can very clearly see the evidence of that statement when we look at the world, the news, and even our personal lives. Jesus also says in this verse in John that he has overcome the world and we can take great comfort in that.

Even so, our trials weigh heavily on us and the temptation to give up is strong. In times of trials, we can either be driven closer to God or further from him. In the fear and the pain and the heaviness of it all we might be tempted to shake our fists at God in anger or forsake him entirely, wondering how he can call himself good while allowing our circumstances.

Still, we are called to be steadfast. Throughout Scripture there are many reasons as to why steadfastness in trials makes a person blessed, but in this passage specifically, James points to the crown of life, the prize which God has promised to those who love him. This isn’t some superficial or materialistic reward to hope for but is the promised reward of the gospel. Those who trust in Jesus – who endured the greatest trial on our behalf – will receive the prize, the crown of life that God has promised.

Let us be steadfast in trials, spurred on by the joyful hope of the prize that Christ has won for us!