June 19 – James 1
Blessed are you who remain steadfast under trial.
There is a recurring theme throughout the Bible; well, there are many. But one thing that stands out to me is steadfastness. In reference to God’s love for us, a quick internet search inquiry counted approximately 200 times that the adjective ‘steadfast’ was used in the Bible. Just in this passage alone, it is mentioned four times regarding our faith. And because I am a sailor and grew up on the coast of Maine, I love that our faith, or lack thereof, is depicted here by the waves of the sea.
How is your faith of late? Are you tossed around on the waves? Are you flitting from one wave of doubt to another? Or are you atop those waves and sure God will see you through? We all have been tossed about in those waves as life hits us from every direction. What have you been left steadfast on, doubt or faith? What were you steadfast on during those crashing and tossing waves?
What we face here on earth day to day can be scary. The waves can make us anxious, and they can bring trials. Yet, our faith unwavering, that is where we find Peace and, yes, even joy! This life can stink, but it is like the grass that burns up and becomes dust under the blaze of the sun. They are not meant to last, and neither are your trials. But YOU, a child of the Most High King, your soul is meant to last forever.
How does one get this steadfastness, you ask? Verse 19 tells us to be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger. Be eager to know God, learn as much about Him as possible, and be quick to respond to what God teaches us through His word. God never gives us a situation that He cannot get us through. Think about that for a minute. There is a common phrase, ‘God never gives us more than we can handle.’ But as followers of Christ, we know that this is not true. He often gives us what we cannot handle! But with Him, He will get us through it! There is nothing that He cannot handle. He promises us that. That steadfastness is wow!
Blessed are you who are steadfast under trial. Blessed are you who are steadfast in Him under trial. Blessed are you.
My Verse: “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
My Response: God, there is nothing too big for You. You are bigger than my trials, bigger than my fears, bigger than the boogie man! You are bigger, and You have already defeated all the odds! I thank You!!!!!
(Further Reading: 1 Peter 1:6-7; Revelation 2:8-11; Matthew 10:16-25)
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My verse: James 1:25 “But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.”
My response: Back at the very beginning of this letter from James, he talks of the value of testings because they produce endurance which – when fully developed – makes you “perfect and complete, needing nothing” It’s a perfect trust that no matter what is going on, God’s “got this” (vs 2-4). So … even in studying Your Word, Lord, give me a willing endurance to set my mind to learning and studying and obeying what I read, on the days when gems leap off the page and on days where it’s more a settled calm and peace to meet with You. You bless those who love Your Word! I know that full well and am so grateful. Help me to always “look carefully” as I read Your living words each day.