Read the transcript from today's video devotional.
There was a time in my life when I really enjoyed distance running, and anybody who's run for long distances knows that there comes a point in some of those runs where you hit what is commonly called the wall, and when you hit that wall, it feels like you just can't keep going. You're either going to overcome that wall or it's going to overcome you. You have to either push through or you have to give up.
What James chapter 1 and verse 12 is about is pushing through. James chapter 1 and verse 12 is about not quitting. This verse is about endurance—it says God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Actually, the context of this testing and temptation, this trouble, this trial, it's financial.
The Challenge of Money
It's talking about finances. Usually if we think about financial problems, we tend to think of not having enough money. Did you know that the Bible talks about having too much money, being even more of a problem? Whether you got too much money, whether you got too little money, both can cause problems in your spiritual life.
In fact, Solomon said this in Proverbs chapter 30 and verse 9:
He said to the Lord, "Give me neither poverty nor riches. Feed me with the food that is needful for me, lest I be full and deny You, and say, 'Who is the Lord,' or lest I be poor, and steal, and profane the name of my God."
Both too much money, too little money can cause problems. If I don't have enough money, then I'm tempted to maybe worry. I'm tempted to be anxious. I'm tempted to forsake God. I've got too much, I'm tempted to be proud. I'm tempted to rely on myself and maybe even forget God.
The Call to Endure
Specifically here, a financial trial or any trial, any test, any temptation, any trouble you find yourself in—truly, the message is the same here. That message is you have to endure, as James says. Another translation reads, "remain steadfast under trial" because here's what's going to happen in your Christian walk. You're going to hit a wall. You are going to feel like quitting. You're going to feel like giving up. You're going to be tempted to abandon God. You're going to be tempted to turn away from Him and go your own way.
As James says here, and as the Apostle Paul said elsewhere, you must finish the race.
The Eternal Reward
What's the motivation that he gives? The motivation is afterward, they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him. The crown of life is another way of saying eternal life. There is a finish line for us as Christians. There is a reward that we're after, and that's what we need to pursue.
When you hit the wall—and you're going to hit the wall—I would encourage you even today, shift your focus. Shift your focus from the present pain, which you know is temporary, to a future reward which is eternal. James chapter 1 and verse 12: "God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward, they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him."
