Blessed!

Blessed!

Blessed [happy, spiritually prosperous, favored by God] is the man who is steadfast under trial and perseveres when tempted; for when he has passed the test and been approved, he will receive the [victor’s] crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. JAMES 1:12 AMP

There are some deep truths that today's extract establishes, and we will do well to look at a few. First, God's definition of blessing seems to be far away from how the world defines it. The world views a state of calm, pleasure and physical abundance as the essence of blessing; God sees it the same way, but with Him, there is a context to all of these things, as well as an understanding that must come with it. God seems to say "I can guarantee you all that the world promises, but I need to prepare you to be able to handle them and not lose eternity".

Secondly, whatever else God approves or allows, He supplies strength and grace for us to stand up under the experiences. God will not demand from me something He has not supplied strength or grace for. The issue is that man's fall in the Garden of Eden led to a false sense of  self-sufficiency and independence. Man thinks he has got it all figured out, especially when things seem to be comfortable around him. However, a man who has experienced God knows that he is nothing outside God and he will not make it without God. That understanding is key to the blessings that matter, which God alone can give.

Thirdly, there is a purpose to all of these things. Nothing is in vain; God is too arranged and methodical not to know what He's doing. He places a choice before us and tells us the consequences of our choice before we make it. In the final analysis, we really cannot blame God for whatever goes wrong. A crown of life awaits all who endure to the end. It's not all about the good start, or a bad middle; you have got to stay in the race. You could fall or fail; but you cannot afford to quit. There is no reward for starting well; only enduring to the end.

Are you blessed; as defined by God? You are better off with God than with all the riches the world can promise you. His time of favour is here.