It is a little tough for us to associate the words blessing and endurance in the same sentence; Especially when we have to count endurance as a blessing in the context of temptation. But, when you remember what we are learning from James regarding the trying of our faith, you begin to understand patience as the vehicle that moves you deeper in faith. Temptation then becomes a definer of the level of your commitment, as it relates to your faith through endurance.
Our endurance levels are high in most areas due to the mental evaluation we go through that allows us to justify the actions of others. We can take the pressures of our jobs because we get a check at the end of the pay period. Dealing with a contrary in-law is offset by the love we have for our spouse. I read recently about the endurance of some fans that camped for over a week for the privilege purchasing overpriced tickets to an event, for someone else. However, when it comes to temptation, since it is only me that is involved in my struggle, my endurance is fragile. We become like the person who stated, “I can handle almost anything except temptation!”
There is a blessing for you in the endurance of temptation. When you fall into various temptations the first reaction is usually to give up on yourself, and give in. Endurance is the result of building up your stamina through repeated, similar actions. You will be tempted, and you will make mistakes. I am glad I was able to settle that for you. But, every time you get back on your feet, carried by patience deeper into your faith, you build your endurance and your blessing.
James makes it plain in verse twelve, of chapter one, “Blessed is the man that endures temptation; for after he is tried, he shall receive a crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love Him.” There is a blessing for those who endure temptation. There is a crown of life from our Lord Jesus Christ. Notice the verse did not say anything about the success or failure of the temptation, just the endurance of it. When you come out of the other side of the temptation you will be rewarded. You will get through the temptation if you refuse to give up. Endure the temptation until patience brings you up under your faith and works the blessing you will receive.
Our endurance levels are high in most areas due to the mental evaluation we go through that allows us to justify the actions of others. We can take the pressures of our jobs because we get a check at the end of the pay period. Dealing with a contrary in-law is offset by the love we have for our spouse. I read recently about the endurance of some fans that camped for over a week for the privilege purchasing overpriced tickets to an event, for someone else. However, when it comes to temptation, since it is only me that is involved in my struggle, my endurance is fragile. We become like the person who stated, “I can handle almost anything except temptation!”
There is a blessing for you in the endurance of temptation. When you fall into various temptations the first reaction is usually to give up on yourself, and give in. Endurance is the result of building up your stamina through repeated, similar actions. You will be tempted, and you will make mistakes. I am glad I was able to settle that for you. But, every time you get back on your feet, carried by patience deeper into your faith, you build your endurance and your blessing.
James makes it plain in verse twelve, of chapter one, “Blessed is the man that endures temptation; for after he is tried, he shall receive a crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love Him.” There is a blessing for those who endure temptation. There is a crown of life from our Lord Jesus Christ. Notice the verse did not say anything about the success or failure of the temptation, just the endurance of it. When you come out of the other side of the temptation you will be rewarded. You will get through the temptation if you refuse to give up. Endure the temptation until patience brings you up under your faith and works the blessing you will receive.
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