Trials and Temptations

“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.” (James 1:12, NIV)

“I’m tired of walking from and to the parking deck every day,” I muttered as I trudged up the sidewalk to my office building.

Our building used three different parking decks. One right across the street. One an average block-length from the office. And one that seemed to be at least two blocks away even though it was still technically a single block. I’d been in the farthest deck for some time now and though I had no physical issues, the walk seemed to get longer each day.

I’d gotten about half-way to the building when I caught up with another worker. I don’t believe he muttered under his breath. In fact, he appeared fairly chipper that morning even though he walked slower than me. He carried his computer and a grocery bag full of lunch, all while managing a crutch under each arm.

I remember that day because I needed to see this. One of my “moods determined by circumstances” had shown up and I was headed for a rotten beginning to the day. God knew that, too. He knew it way before I’d started the grumbling. He also knew that had I continued in that mood, by the time I got to the office, the first interruption would be met with a scowl.

That’s no way to live like Christ.

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The gentleman in front of me persevered through a physical trial. I needed to learn to persevere through a spiritual trial. I had the tendency to let something as small as a fairly short walk interrupt my joy. And, as a known Christian, there was a good chance someone needing to experience encouragement, comfort, or grace from me might have received a snappy response instead. Not the ambassador for Christ I needed to be.

We all have trials and temptations. God wants us to persevere through them. If we persevere, we will receive the crown of life—a promise from God to those who love Him. Not that our works earn the crown, but our reliance on God’s grace to stay the course in the middle of trials and temptations assure it.

Hang in there! Remember we have all the help we need to stand the tests and trials of this world through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Today’s feature photo comes from a “photo-a-day” challenge I pursued several years ago. The photo inspires the topic. For me, the posts challenge my creativity, writing discipline, and dependence on God for His message. My prayer is that you find hope in God’s Word, and that you’ll share your hope with others.