James 1:12 AMPC
[12] Blessed (happy, to be envied) is the man who is patient under trial and stands up under temptation, for when he has stood the test and been approved, he will receive [the victor's] crown of life which God has promised to those who love Him.
The world's standards are quite different from those of God. The natural man will resist anything that makes him uncomfortable or inconveniences him. The natural man will choose the path of least resistance, because that is how it is built. If given a life of utmost convenience and tough times, who would willingly choose pain? It is not a wonder, then, that the natural man cannot inherit eternal life because it is not possible for that which leads to eternal death also inherit eternal life. It is also in line with God's purpose that the natural man gives way to the spiritual man. It is the spiritual man that sees trials and tough times the right way, which is God's tool to bring about His divine purpose and plan to pass in the lives of all who submit willingly to Him. It is not given for everyone to see it this way, but if you get it, the verse above calls you blessed. That is definitely not the way the world will sell it.
The man who is patient under trial and stands up under temptation has come to understand something important: in the hands of God, any trial is a learning opportunity, as well as a chance to grow in my knowledge and experience of God. Think of this: how would I know my capacity to withstand pressure, if I never face pressure? How do I resist the temptation to compromise, if I have not first seen the value of standing with God, and seeing Him come through for me in quite amazing ways? In fact, the verse says that such a man is to be envied. You have to wonder why? Such a person is on a journey of discovery; he is not concerned about men's motives and intentions, but focused on God's purpose behind the pressure. The man who sees God in every situation and season of his life has understood that life is not a race with anyone else, or a comparison with anyone else, but a race to accomplish God's divine and personal purpose for him.
It is also not an error that the word STAND is used here. It shows readiness to do whatever God leads me to do in every situation. Like Joseph, the right stand, when confronted with Potiphar's wife, was to flee. The right stand for Jesus was to give his life willingly, so you and I could have and hold on to the hope of eternal life. Whatever the demand, God leads His own to make the right stand, which is either to flee all appearances of evil, or to take a stand and confront evil in whatever form it presents itself at the time. The reward at the end also makes it worth it. The crown of life is promised to all who love God, and who stand for and with Him. I note that there are no joint efforts recognised here; everyone gets his or her reward based on his or her personal walk with God. This crown is worth looking ahead for, and as God has never be found to be a liar, He will do exactly as He has promised. May He keep us in His will, keep us standing in and for Him, and give us the victor's crown at the end of our stand. God's time of favour is here.
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