Blessed are Those who Persevere

"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." (James 1:12 ESV)

This is what God told us in James! I don't know where in the world people got the idea that we will live on this earth with no bad things ever happening! Look at those in foreign lands where there are those being killed because they are believers! Look at those same places where they are literally starving to death! Keep looking at the diseases that are killing them! Look at our own land and see the poor, needy, and hungry... often, very often sitting amongst us in our houses of worship! Then, come tell me how you think you shouldn't suffer! I don't know what Word of God you're reading that makes you think you deserve to have a bowl of cherries life! Oh Yes, there IS victory for those who preserve despite their trials! Blessed is what God calls them! God promises to give you the crown of life! You and I were created to overcome in every trial because God Himself walks with us! A complaining spirit isn't called blessed! You can't receive the promises of God when you think you are entitled to experience a pain free life! In this world, we will have many troubles, but God will deliver us from them all! You will be faced with trials so hot you will think you're being incinerated . You will go through tsunami waters you will think you're going to drown! But what you think and what you feel is not what God thinks and feels! He's making you to be an overcomer! God promised you will not be scourged in the fire and the waters will not drown you! Get up from the pit of your despair, and head to the solid ground to stand on, the Word of God! I know the God who has delivered me, restored me, healed me, or saved me! My God has done this for me, and much, much more! Though He slay me, yet I will praise Him all of the more! My face is set like flint. My feet are like that of a deer. I'm moving up the mountain!

MEDITATION: "For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith." (1 John 5:4 ESV) Determine in your heart today that no trial will break you! Do you believe God? No matter where He takes you, are you willing to go? Count the cost! There is a cost to pay when you are sold out to our Lord! All hell will break loose. It's Ok! Once you make that decision throw away the complaining spirit and put on the garment of praise. There is your victory in your praises. You must stand in your trial, it's a test of what you are really made of! There is a price the crown of life for you! God already knows you, and He wants you to know you and know Him who will always be in the midst of all your pain! Trust him even unto death itself!

Dr. Teresa Allissa Citro

PRAYER: My Lord and My God, in You, all is well with my soul. No matter what comes my way, I know You are Sovereign and You will take care of all things. I'm sorry for complaining in the midst of this trial I find myself in and for believing I am entitled to a pain-free life. Forgive me, Father, for complaining rather than focusing on You. Forgive me for feeling entitled when all I have has originated with You. In this world, there is much trouble, but I know You, O Lord, have overcome this world. Because You overcame, I can overcome because You are victory and have made me victorious. As I shift my focus back to You and give the praise due to You, Father, hold me up in this time of trial and be my Path Maker and light the Way for me to go. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Linda A. Knowles