Steadfast in Trial

James is urging us to faith in God, believing that He intends our good.

“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life” (James 1:12). 

The radio and internet ads promised huge profits. The promos scoffed at piddly returns of ten percent and urged investors to come to them for the big bucks, at virtually no risk. So described the accounts in the newspaper’s exposé of the ponzi scheme, along with the sad stories of many who had entrusted their life savings. 

Before making any investment we should do due diligence to examine the product, the claims, and especially the one behind it. 

James has presented us with an investment option. He has called us to be “all in” in the trials of our lives, telling us that they offer vast dividends for personal investment. No reservation. No doubting. We are to put all our eggs in one basket of looking to God and listening to God. That investment strategy applies to everyone, rich or poor alike. 

James is urging us to faith in God, believing that He intends our good. Our approach to trials will depend on our trust in the God who brought them to us. Due diligence calls us to know God and believe His word. 

Contrary to the “get rich quick” schemes of scammers, the best investments are often long-term. The wisdom is to ride out down times with expectation of better days. James issues the same sort of counsel when he says: “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial” (James 1:12). 

Because we know God, because we believe God, faith will persevere in the face of trial. We remain fully confident that He who promised will bring it to completion. We will reap the rewards offered because we trust Him who cannot lie. 

“Heavenly Father, I entrust myself, my life, my all into Your hands.”