Enduring or Preparing!

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 

 

Have you ever thought you were stuck, or being punished, or feel you've been banished to some faraway land of the forgotten?  I have.  I have felt as though I were being banished where I would have not much really to accomplish.  I have also been stuck in a place where my every move was monitored and my supervisor's idea of supervising was standing directly over me pointing out how wrong my every move was in his eyes.

It's horribly inconvenient to feel stuck.  It's easy to feel extremely demeaned to be put somewhere you didn't ask to be or doing something you don't like doing.  Our minds, believe it or not, are geared to seek the negative FIRST.  We are wired to believe the worst because things to change to suit us immediately.

But look at what James tells us.  First, we will have challenges and we must be patient and keep doing what we know is right (that's called ENDURING).  Second comes the promise, "Afterward they WILL receive the crown of life."  Enduring challenges has its rewards.  And here's the best part, God is the one who promised the rewards!

Be patient and keep doing what is right!