Crown of Life

“God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” James 1:12

If you have not experienced testing and temptation, I’m not sure which planet you are living on. It seems that we are always in the beginning, the middle, or the end of a trial. I don’t say that to discourage you. It’s just a snapshot of what life in a fallen world looks like. But thankfully, we are not without hope. 

Those who find their hope in God somehow find the courage to endure life’s testing and temptation. It’s during the trials and temptations that we are pressed to rely on God’s strength and not our own. It’s in those times that we are reminded of our incredible need for a Savior. 

And when life’s storms have finally cleared, James says we will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. The crown of life is not a reward for your great accomplishment and ability to overcome. It’s the gift of eternal life that you have been given by the one who laid down his life for yours. If it were a literal crown, we would receive it only to then lay it down, with a grateful heart, at the feet of Jesus.