Persevering into Joy

0:00Blessed is the one who perseveres. James 1-12. Welcome to today's encouragement from our daily bread. Persevering into joy was written and read by James Banks. James 1-2-12 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt,

1:02because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do. Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. But the rich should take pride in their humiliation since they will pass away like a wildflower. For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant. It's blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business. Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial, having stood the test. That person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.

2:04Persevering into joy. Nestled in a corner of the brick steps leading up to our front door is a hardy little scarlet bagonia. We didn't plant it. It must have grown there from a seed that fell out of a hanging basket. But we've let it remain. Year after year, it's a cheerful reminder to my wife and me that perseverance is a beautiful thing. The epistle of James offers even more beautiful encouragement to persevere, especially to those facing opposition for their faith in Jesus. Telling us, consider it pure joy whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Pure joy. We bulk at those words, but the epistle is looking forward to the truth that God is over everything and is able to bring good out of even difficult

3:05circumstances. James completes the thought. Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. The word blessed is the same word Jesus uses in the be attitudes and it carries the meaning among other things of happy. Whatever we face, including spiritual battles and life's hard challenges, God will sustain us in his love and will one day mercifully reward us with the beauty of his joy. May we pray. Father, thank you for bringing us together in Christ through the power of your Holy Spirit and for drawing us into your family. Help us grow together in our faith

4:05so that we may boldly proclaim Jesus as Lord so others may come to know Him. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen. As you go about your day, reflect on these questions. How does it help you to know that God is able to bring good out of our most challenging circumstances? What do you most look forward to from Him today? And faithful by the word of Mailer. Amen.