The Lighthouse Devotional
Author: Andrew Brathwaite
SCRIPTURE PASSAGE
“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him” (Jas 1:12 NIV).
PERSONAL REFLECTION
There is an old poem titled “Persevere,” which most of my contemporaries would recite with warrior-like voices to underscore its meaning. The rhyme still resonates with me, evoking images, memories, and emotions, especially the verses that say, “When you’ve work to do, boys, do it with a will; They who reach the top, boys, first must climb the hill. Standing at the foot, boys, gazing at the sky, how can you get up, boys, if you never try?” The poem emphasizes success through perseverance. In today’s Scripture passage, the Lord promises the crown of life to all who love Him and persevere under trials.
SCRIPTURE REFLECTION
James considers the one who perseveres under trials to be blessed. He does not say, “Blessed is the one who never faces trials.” Nor does he say, “Blessed is the one who easily conquers all trials.” Instead, the blessing is for the one who perseveres under trials.
James agrees with our Lord, who affirms that we are blessed when people hate, exclude, insult, and reject us as evil for his sake (Luke 6:22). We, who endure like Job, are blessed (Jas 5:11) when we suffer for the sake of righteousness and are insulted for the name of Christ (1 Pet 3:13; 4:14).
We face many trials and temptations as Christian disciples (Jas 1:2). However, as we persevere through our testing, we are approved, becoming mature and complete, not lacking anything (1:4). God rewards our endurance with the crown of life as we demonstrate our love for Him by enduring our testing. Our reward comes when a greater passion—i.e., to honor, glorify, and be in right relationship with God—overcomes our sinful tendencies.
EXHORTATION
Let us follow James’ counsel and ask God for wisdom and faith in trials (1:5) so that the testing of our faith produces the fruit of perseverance (1:3).
PRAYER
Father, You have promised the crown of life to all who love you. Help us show our love for You by persevering under all trials and walking in obedience to Your will. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.