James 1:12 reads, "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."
This is Jesus brother, James, and he is sending encouragement to the saints who are being persecuted. He tells them blessed aka happy is the man who remains steadfast under trial. That seems like an oxymoron. How can you remain happy when you're being mistreated? James shows us we can accomplish this but remembering our eternal reward. Christ made a promise to reward us when we are persecuted for His namesake. We will receive the crown of life, we will see our savior face to face, we will be like Christ if we remain steadfast during our trials.
Paul said though we are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed, persecuted but not abandoned, perplexed but not in despair, struck down but not destroyed. BUT We STILL have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from GOD and not from us. Meaning our bodies may look like they are wasting away but Gods regeneration power is at work on the inside of us, making us, equipping us, preparing us, for our reward!
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