Persevere....we choose our fate

Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. James 1:12

First let me wish you all a belated Merry Christmas!  I pray all is well.  And here it is, January 1st, 2015.  Wow!  Happy New Year!  Boy this year went by in a whirlwind.

I chose this scripture, or it chose me, because it is perfect for this season.  Right now, we are all looking back at 2014 and evaluating the carnage and the blessings, setting goals for 2015 and contemplating what this new year might have in store for us.  For some, 2014 was a difficult year. Maybe you had a death in the family, had a surgery, or perhaps you or someone you love received some unexpected bad news.  The bible is clear, whether you are a Christian or not, you will have turmoil here on earth.  When you read the book of James, he clearly states that we will face trials, but we must endure.  The book of James is a short letter, written to the 12 tribes of Israel.  But all Christians; all people, would be well served to read this letter and follow his instructions for life.

He does not mince words, James 1:2-3 says, "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 are mature and complete, not lacking anything."  There it is, be joyous whenever you face a trial! Wait, what?  Are you serious James?!  But as you dig deeper into this letter, James tells us the secret of how to do that.  So in James 1:2-3, He is telling us to consider it pure joy when we face trials and then in verse 1:12, today's scripture, he is again talking about perseverance under trial.  So let's take a closer look at the parallels between the two scriptures.

James 1:2-3			James 1:12
consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters when you face trials of many kinds			blessed is the man who perseveres under trial
because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance			because when he has stood the test
Let perseverance finish its work so that you are mature and complete, not lacking anything.			he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

Our first section talks about persevering through the trial.  Joy does not come from having a trial but from relying on Christ in the trial.  Section two lets us know that there will be testing during our trials that will make us lean on our faith to persevere. And finally, our perseverance will develop us and ultimately allow us to receive the "crown of life" - eternal life with Jesus Christ.  The Bible Knowledge Commentary sums it up like this, "Trials can be faced with joy because, infused with faith, perseverance results, and if perseverance goes full-term it will develop a thoroughly mature Christian who lacks nothing.  He will indeed be all God wants him to be."   We choose to look back at 2014 and stay there or we can choose to go boldly into 2015.  This same thing applies to our faith. Many choose to stay where you are because it is comfortable, because, maybe that is what you think is expected?

A friend once said to me, "I am going to hell."  As if that is what he is resigned himself to do. He says it is because of things he has done.  Maybe it is, but when you read the bible you can see that many people in the "Hall of Fame" have done some pretty bad things (I discussed this before): murder, prostitution, adultery, I can go on.  So, I don't think it is "because of what he has done," I think it is because that is a saying that his dad uses and he is repeating it. You know what I mean? That is what you hear, perhaps that what is expected, that is what you know, and maybe that is even what you believe.

In my family arguing came easy.  It is what I was used to. I wanted to get in the last word.  No I was going to get in the last word. I didn't think I would change.  I didn't want to change, because it was me, and I believed that dominance showed that I was assertive.  But as I studied the bible, I learned that my thinking was wrong. And one day I decided that I didn't want to be like that anymore. James tells us to be quick to listen, slow to speak (Jas 1:19).  The world changes when you do that.  I am not perfect at this by any means, but when I am not tired, and after 2 solid years of praying every morning and every night, I no longer have the need to have the last word.  The Lord holds my tongue. I am grateful because I learn a lot about the thoughts and needs of those around me.

If you are out there, saying "I am (fill in the blank)," please know you can redirect your future.  With the Lord, you can become the person you strive to be, not just the person others expect you to be. And if you are thinking that you are going to hell because of what you have done.  Your venture is easier than mine.  Just say "YES" to Jesus Christ.  Ask him to be your LORD and Savior.  Ask forgiveness for your sins and invite him into your heart.  Allow him to change you.  To become a new you, one greater than even you can dream up.  Your sins will be wiped as clean as snow.  Persevere my friend, and you who has stood the test will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him (Jas 1:12).   I am praying for you.   Go Boldly!!!   You will persevere!