Today's passage continues to challenge us to press on. From the time we are saved, we are to be resolute in our submission to God to work out our faith and spread the Good News. That resolve will be tested. God doesn't need to remove all hardship from us—in fact, He uses them to strengthen and grow us. That strength and growth is not for us, but for others, and ultimately for God. The trials that bring growth make us more effective co-laborers in God's mission.

The point of our lives and salvation is not our comfort, but God's glory. Understanding this requires maturity in our faith. He is a loving God. That love was what initially caused Him to give His Son Jesus to live as us and die for us, even while we were still unsaved sinners. God gives us the strength to withstand and grow from trials, and then blesses us when we do what He has enabled us to do. As we echo God's love back to Him and to the rest of those Jesus died to save, we are blessed. The blessing is not fleeting comfort in this passing world, but perfect salvation from death: everlasting life as adopted sons and daughters of the King of kings so that we can forever continue to give glory to Him.

May the word of God encourage and strengthen us to stand firm and grow through trials for God's glory.

James 1.12

12 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.

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ What does this verse indicate is our responsibility to do?

+ What enables us to do this?

+ How does God promise to respond?

+ How long will the trial last?

+ How long will the blessing last?

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

+ Where have you focused on your own comfort or what is good for you vice how you can glorify God? What steps will you take to change that view?

+ Where do you continue to fall short of what God is calling you to? God has given you the strength to overcome that sin. What steps will you take to demonstrate your love back to God in obedience to Him?

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?

+ God blesses us not for our own gain, but for others and ultimately to glorify Him. How are you echoing God's love by using God's blessing to bless those He has placed in your life?