Daily Journal- Steadfast Under Trial

SCRIPTURE:
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial... (James 1:12)

OBSERVATION:
The word "blessed" means to be happy. In Greek, its the highest state of happiness! So... James tells us that when you "remain steadfast under trial", you will be a very happy man, or woman.

Jesus remained steadfast under trial, Paul remained steadfast under trial, John the baptist remained steadfast under trial, and so on and so forth. These men, stood on the solid rock of Christ and they were steadfast and they were blessed!!

APPLICATION:
I don't know about you, but I always ask myself this question: "Would I endure torture for the name of Jesus?" Or, "Would I be be-headed for the name of Christ?". The question is, would I remain steadfast? I'm so thankful that we are free to worship Jesus and spread the good news. We don't have to hide our bibles and meet under ground.

But...

Maybe the reason I'm not being persecuted in any way is because I'm just not being bold enough. If I was proclaiming the name of Jesus the way the men of the Bible did, maybe I would experience some persecution, or trials.

I do experience trials and persecution for the name of Jesus but it is on a very small scale. I put my own comfort above the mission of Jesus and this is very wrong!
This must change! I know what I have to do! I must allow myself to considered a fool for the name of Jesus. I must be steadfast when the trials come! You can't be steadfast under trials, if you stay in the safe zone where there are no trials.

The Christian life is not about reading my Bible, jouranling every day, and enjoying my blessings. The Christian life is about taking up my cross daily and being willing to die with Christ. Its easier said than done, but the first step is for me to aknowledge that my life is way different from the lives of the men of the Bible!

PRAYER:
Dear Lord empower me to be bold for the name of Jesus Christ. Allow me to be wise and to win souls for the name of Jesus. Teach me the right way to evangelize, and help me to live a righteous and holy life. Forgive me for being a hearer and not a doer. In Jesus name, Amen!
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