James 1:12
[12] “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.”
The word “blessed” in our verse is the same word used in Matthew five. This word can mean, “to make large”, or “to be happy”. However, it also carries a deeper meaning. It is used to describe an inner joy and satisfaction. The word “endure” carries the idea of waiting, or exercising great patience. It means, “to bear up courageously”.
Here we see a beatitude for the child of God that keeps the right attitude. Whenever we face the trials of life, it is our attitude that will determine whether or not we will make it through. The Lord promises inner joy and satisfaction to those who are willing to bear the trials of life courageously.
Think about this truth for a moment. There are those who have really never faced trials in life. Let’s face it, they have had a pretty easy life. They have felt very little heartache and discomfort in life, yet they struggle to keep a right attitude. They constantly complain and grumble when things don’t go the way they want them to. They constantly live a defeated life.
Then, there are others who have faced great trials and adversities in life. Through it all they seem to have constant joy. They very seldom, if ever, complain. These suffering saints speak of life with great joy and contentment. They faced the trial, passed the test, and live with the blessedness of God upon their life. All because they were willing to endure!
The Lord gives a blessing to help us in our test, and a crown after we have passed our test! These are both coupled with a promise to those of us who love him! We can choose to be blessed by God every day, if we determine to take courage, and bear the tests that we face, with the right attitude.