April 2, 2020 – James 1:12-14

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. Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and He Himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. James 1:12-14.

What is steadfast? It is holding up under trials. No matter what bad thing happens in life, we have enough faith in God in our hearts to carry on?  When our youngest son has something negative happen, he responds, “It will be fine!” Such a blessing.  

When things go wrong, we want to blame others, even God.  We forget to look in the mirror and remember our desire for something not good for us. James 1:2-4 tells us the why of the hard things of life.  Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,  for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.  And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

Do we respond to the hard parts of life with anger?  It takes so much energy to be angry and does not build the righteousness of God. Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. I Corinthians:15:58.

Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. James 1:19-21.