James Bible Study Week 2--James 1:9-12
I'm eager to hear everyone's insights on this week's passage. If you aren't studying James with those of us on the blog this summer, and you would like to, just leave your email address in the comments section (i.e. shannonATbeingagirlbooks.com) and I will be happy to send you the study guide. Let's jump in to this week's text!
In this week's study, I think I uncovered what has now become one of my favorite verses in the Bible. James 1:12 says, "Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him."
The phrase "the crown of life" means "the crown that is life" otherwise known as eternal life. So what this verse is really saying it that although we cannot earn our salvation in trials (or at all), we can prove our salvation in the midst of trials. Our ability to remain steadfast during trials demonstrates that we truly are Christians and that we trust in a God who is sovereign over all things. This is so amazing to me. Especially since some of us studying James are in the midst of some big trials right now. A few of you emailed me last week and let me in on what's going on with you. Here's a short list of what we (as a group) have been facing:
1) One of us has a husband who is recovering from a major accident and multiple surgeries. If that's not enough, her husband was rushed in for an emergency appendectomy over the weekend.
2) One of us just underwent a root canal and oral surgery.
3) One of us is grappling with the loss of one-third of her family's income in this rough economy.
The list could go on, and those are just some of the "major" trials, not to mention the "minor" ones. (Are there ever really any minor trials that seem minor at the time?)
So, what this verse says to those of us in these hard trials is that remaining steadfast during this time is proof of our salvation and brings with it a blessing. I really saw this concept in action this week. Yesterday I received an email from an old high school classmate of mine. I have only heard from her once in the last eleven years, and that was probably five years ago. This woman is going through a tough time, and she's searching for Christ in the midst of her pain. She emailed me because she couldn't stop thinking about how I was able to "minister" to her in the midst of a major health trial I had when I was 15 years old.
I needed major surgery, and I had to undergo a year-long recovery process that was taxing at times. As I shared the gospel with this girl, and lived out my life before her eyes, I had no idea how closely she was watching me. But she was. And for some reason God caused her to recall that memory eleven years later, so that she would email me and I would once again share the gospel with her. I have no idea what I could have said or done to have such an impact on someone. It had to be the Holy Spirit working through me as I was remaining steadfast in the midst of my trial. My prayer is that this former classmate of mine finds Christ in the midst of her trial, and that she surrenders her life to Him so that she too can receive the crown that is life.
So, be encouraged sisters! Your trials offer proof of your salvation. And those around you notice that proof. Your very reaction to your current trial might be all it takes to open the door to share the gospel. To God be the glory!
I can't wait to read your comments on this passage below!
In this week's study, I think I uncovered what has now become one of my favorite verses in the Bible. James 1:12 says, "Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him."
The phrase "the crown of life" means "the crown that is life" otherwise known as eternal life. So what this verse is really saying it that although we cannot earn our salvation in trials (or at all), we can prove our salvation in the midst of trials. Our ability to remain steadfast during trials demonstrates that we truly are Christians and that we trust in a God who is sovereign over all things. This is so amazing to me. Especially since some of us studying James are in the midst of some big trials right now. A few of you emailed me last week and let me in on what's going on with you. Here's a short list of what we (as a group) have been facing:
1) One of us has a husband who is recovering from a major accident and multiple surgeries. If that's not enough, her husband was rushed in for an emergency appendectomy over the weekend.
2) One of us just underwent a root canal and oral surgery.
3) One of us is grappling with the loss of one-third of her family's income in this rough economy.
The list could go on, and those are just some of the "major" trials, not to mention the "minor" ones. (Are there ever really any minor trials that seem minor at the time?)
So, what this verse says to those of us in these hard trials is that remaining steadfast during this time is proof of our salvation and brings with it a blessing. I really saw this concept in action this week. Yesterday I received an email from an old high school classmate of mine. I have only heard from her once in the last eleven years, and that was probably five years ago. This woman is going through a tough time, and she's searching for Christ in the midst of her pain. She emailed me because she couldn't stop thinking about how I was able to "minister" to her in the midst of a major health trial I had when I was 15 years old.
I needed major surgery, and I had to undergo a year-long recovery process that was taxing at times. As I shared the gospel with this girl, and lived out my life before her eyes, I had no idea how closely she was watching me. But she was. And for some reason God caused her to recall that memory eleven years later, so that she would email me and I would once again share the gospel with her. I have no idea what I could have said or done to have such an impact on someone. It had to be the Holy Spirit working through me as I was remaining steadfast in the midst of my trial. My prayer is that this former classmate of mine finds Christ in the midst of her trial, and that she surrenders her life to Him so that she too can receive the crown that is life.
So, be encouraged sisters! Your trials offer proof of your salvation. And those around you notice that proof. Your very reaction to your current trial might be all it takes to open the door to share the gospel. To God be the glory!
I can't wait to read your comments on this passage below!
posted by Shannon at 2:46 PM
9 Comments:
rodneyw2@bellsouth.net
I have to come a point in my life where I accept that the trials that I go through are necessary sometimes. Instead of worrying or stressing about it I have learned to ask God to show me what I am to learn from this experience and to help me along the way. He has always been faithful to hold my hand so that I do not completely fall on my face, even though I stumble. He never allows us to go through something that we can not handle through the power of His Holy Spirit. God bless you all and may He fill with His Love and Power so that you can endure the trials in your owm lives. I will be praying for this group. Sincerely..
An axciting thing about this study is that it has conincided perfectly with the book that I am currently reading, When God Weeps, by Joni Eareckson Tada and Steve Estes. I just finished the book today and think that it gives wonderful perspective on suffering!
It starts saying that the deifintion of suffering is: having what we don't want, and wanting what we don't have! Like Shannon said, no suffering is minor.
A favorite paragraph is, "The Bible blatently tells us to "rejoice in suffering" and to welcome "trials as friends" because God wants us to step into the reality HE has in mind for us, the only reality that ultimately counts.It requires gutsy faith to do so, but as we trust God, we move beyond the present into the future"
We go through so many seasons in our lives…yet I stand in awe and amazement at how He keeps us and provides for us in all of the seasons... For the times when I’ve had little to nothing and watched His faithfulness to provide to the times that I’ve been able to enjoy a little flexibility financially (all to His glory and His provision). I find that this is how He loves me. He uses this tool of finances to His glory….giving and taking…..a delicate balance of each to allow and even disallow so that He may be glorified in each. He uses it to bless me, to teach me lessons (how it can bring joy and can tear down) and most importantly He uses it to draw me closer in my relationship with Him. The second I think I have it all “worked out”…the plan in place…is the moment He shows me that “I” actually “don’t”…and truly how much I need Him..reminding me the source of those financial blessings.
I find it difficult to walk in both impoverished and economically…there is no contentment for me in either unless my relationship with Jesus is active and existent.
The analogy to the wildflowers was enlightening as I further looked into what it takes to pull off some good wildflowers from nothing….per the website..to grow wildflower (which I thought were simply haphazardly grown by the throwing out of a few seeds)…they “take perseverance, must have a sunny spot (good conditions), good drainage, planted in a place that can be controlled to be established...and while they can be low maintenance over time..they must be established correctly” or will fail.
Can you imagine how God must look at those of us who covet riches? As James compares a rich man to a wildflower and God has provided the example…we see that they can be nice to look at and enjoyable once finally established…but really, who wants to keep up that type of charade with all of the maintenance and what not and then not even be able to stand a few winds and a little frost that can blow it all away?
Lastly, this crown of life that God promises..is one of 5 crowns that I’ve read about in His word. In this study guide, it is referenced that this crown is not one that is inherited by birthright….while we do have a birthright that we receive once we accept Christ as our Saviour, as we receive the inheritance of God’s kingdom. (John 1:12-13 and 1 Peter 1:3-5)…this crown is one that is a blessing so exciting and above and beyond that promise of eternal life with Him in Heaven as His children. Who wouldn’t want to be blessed and know that the perseverance of trials while here on earth is such a small blip on the screen of eternity?
One thing I know…Psalm 84:11….He promises that He will not withhold what is permanently good and He will not hold anything back that will help me serve Him...and that is what I cling to when struggling in my earthly skin during those tough times when life just doesn't seem fair....and I'm reminded again, of just why I'm here and the source of the goodness that was and remains.
Thanks, Shannon for a great week!
kmarten@gaggle.net
Shannon I would love to join this study. I am so encouraged by what I am seeing and I really need to be connected to other strong faith filled believers. narrowroad777@hotmail.com
Shannon -
You need to 'quiz' me on my verses soon - 11 down, lots to go :)
I loved the comparison of riches to the flower of the field whose beautiful appearance perishes. I love gardening and work so hard to get beautiful flowers. They're beautiful for just a moment and they fade. It is so true that it is easy to get caught up in the riches of this life, but they are not the riches to seek.
I loved the reference to 2 Cor. 8:9 "For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for our sakes He became poor, that you through his poverty might become rich."
This was a great reminder of the riches that Christ willingly gave up, so that we might be rich (in salvation).
Have fun at Resolved this Weekend!
Love,
E
Shannon, I am missing your blogging. Come back soon...
Hope things are okay...missing my daily dose of Your Moment is Now
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