ESSENCE OF TRIALS: Devotion for Monday April 18, 2016

ESSENCE OF TRIALS: Devotion for Monday April 18, 2016      

Text: James 1:12      Memory verse: v 12

Here, James shows the reasons and reward of passing through trials faithfully. As athletes persevere in training in order to improve their abilities and endurance for competition, so Christians persevere in spiritual training as they patiently endure testing that will bring maturity and completeness. Most times, today’s trials are training when we face tomorrow’s challenges. The way to get into God’s winner’s circle is to love Him and stay faithful even under pressure. James noted that there is always an ample reward for us. The reward is crown of life. James asserts that a Christian, who is patient and endures trials and afflictions in this life, shall certainly be rewarded with a crown of life.

We should note that it is not every man who suffers, that is blessed; but he who with patience and constancy endures all difficulties that comes his way. Afflictions cannot make us miserable, if they don’t come as a result of our fault. A tried Christian shall be crowned if he endures till the end. Every soul that truly loves God shall have its trials in this world fully recompensed in that world above, where love is made perfect. What are you currently suffering because of your faith? Are you in prison now because of the crime you didn’t commit? God is not asleep. Your vindication and reward will surely come. Note that “God has one Son without sin, but he never had a son without trial” according to Charles Spurgeon.

Food for Thought: “A trial is an experiment or search made upon a man, by some affliction, to prove the value and strength of his faith” – Henry.

Prayer: Almighty God, strengthen me never to lose my faith in time of trials for there is always a blessing when one endures trials.