Who is to Blame?, Part 2

“James, a bond-servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,
To the twelve tribes who are dispersed abroad: Greetings.
Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”  James 1:1-4

“Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.”  James 1:12

As the pen of James the Apostle graced that rough, ancient paper, his keen insights into God’s absolute truths came to light. His words immediately reflect Jesus’ own words from the Sermon on the Mount. Christ’s principles had been translated into life itself for James.

This one who could consider the trials of life a joy must either have been cruelly misdirected or must have had a different view of life. How far from many of our own contemporary thoughts regarding trials, temptations, and difficult conditions are these precious admonitions from James. His key was that he saw far beyond the present trial to the effect it would have on his life; it would build the character of endurance. His was a faith that endured; a perfect faith which was complete.

How often do we catch ourselves with unvoiced prayers for greater faith or chiding ourselves for having so little faith? Faith, like an athlete’s ability, is strengthened through exercise. Our faith is exercised in trials and in temptation!

There’s a monumental promise in James 1:12: “Blessed is a man (or woman) who perseveres under trial; for once he (she) has been approved, he (she) will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.”

Can’t you hear James say, “Hang in there!”? Not a bad interpretation of verse 1:12.