Steadfast Under Trial

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 (ESV)

The Oxford Dictionary defines steadfast as "resolutely or dutifully firm and unwavering." When facing trials, do we find ourselves standing resolute? Do we resolve to remain loyal to our God when the world clouds our vision? When all we see is death, do we hold fast to life?

Do we stand firm in our duty to love the Lord with all that we are? Or are we tempted to curse God when we feel like He has abandoned us? If we choose the latter, we will find much despair and sorrow festering in our hearts. But if we hold fast to His promise, we are told that we will be blessed—happy.

There is eternal joy in the promises of God. When we are unhappy with our current state, we must remain unwavering in our faith. God has promised the crown of life to those who love Him, and will remain steadfast in their love for Him through all of the fiery trials.

Sometimes the pain is unrelenting. You are adrift at sea and the storm rolls in. You fight to keep from drowning in the sea below, and the skies above threaten to fill your lungs with the torrential rain. But press on. Rescue is coming. Keep your mind focused on the golden shores of glory where the Lord will crown you with the crown of life. It is this bright shining hope that keeps us afloat as we tread the gloomy waters.

Non Nobis Nati