Trials
James 1:12 Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.
Crown: 4735. στέφανος stephanos, stef’-an-os
from an apparently primary stepho (to twine or wreathe); a chaplet (as a badge of royalty, a prize in the public games or a symbol of honor generally; but more conspicuous and elaborate than the simple fillet, «1238»), literally or figuratively:–crown.
From my perspective, trials are simply part of being human. Would you even be interested in a book or a movie where the hero never faced a trial of some sort? We identify with conquerors of adversity because that’s our daily life.
Although trials are to be expected, trials because of my love for Messiah prove to me that I do, in fact love Him. When I’m invested in my love for Him, my love for others becomes genuine because I know that He loves them enough to endure the trial and sacrifice for them. When I tell others about my love for Him, they can see that it’s not just a sales pitch.
And finally, (actually, I need to verify this one) if I have a crown, or laurel on my head, I won’t even see it. What I WILL see (I think) are those whom I loved enough to tell them about Messiah.
Father, thank you for trials which prove our love for You! It is by Your strength and Your power that we can endure those trials. May be always grow in our Love for You when we endure the trials.