"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.

The test of character is how we stand up amidst adversity. Jesus described in the parable of the seed and soil how a person of shallow faith fails in such times: “The one on whom seed was sown on the rocky places, this is the man who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no firm root in himself, but is only temporary, and when affliction or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he falls away” Matthew 13:20-21. Allowing the “word of the kingdom” (Matthew 13:19) to grow and mature in our lives is key in character development that allows us to persevere amidst trials.

Trials come in many forms. Some of you reading are battling severe health issues, which take an emotional toll as well as a physical one. Others are battling marital and family strife, while still others are facing financial hardship. The trials of persecution are mainly in view in scripture, and these are the least familiar to many of us. While we may face ridicule and opposition for what we believe, it is uncommon for us to be brought before authorities for the faith we profess.

Whatever our trials, we are blessed if we persevere. To persevere is to continue on; to stand our ground as the storm rages around us. It is to resolutely refuse to give up, not matter how strong the temptation to do so.

The ability to persevere is developed through important disciplines such as regular Bible reading and study, personal prayer, service and outreach, and real and meaningful involvement with like-minded believers. Without these, we have no firm root, like the seed in shallow soil in Jesus’ parable.

The one who perseveres is promised the crown of life. Keeping an eye on the prize is also key in perseverance. Trials cause us to consider whether what we are enduring is worth it, and the crown of abundant, unending and unlimited life in the age to come is the prize worth far more than the weight of any of today’s trials.

May we experience in part today the blessing of persevering in trials as we await the crown that will bring joy vastly overshadowing all we have endured in this age.

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