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Yesterday, I wrote about one key component in preparing to preserve – acknowledging that trials will come. However, as we look to the trials that are ahead, there are other things we must consider in regards to committing ourselves to endure.  Specifically, as we look at the beginning of James 1:12 we see this admonition – “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trials.” This alone may cause us to pause. After all, we don’t usually associate blessings and trials with one another – let alone see them in the same sentence. Blessings are what we seek after; trials are what we try to avoid. However, as we reflected on yesterday, the person who is preparing to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro needs to anticipate the trials that are ahead, but at the same time needs to recognize that they are blessed for the experience of climbing the summit. Regardless of what difficulties arise along the way, they realize that there will be good that comes not only from their preparation but from walking through the challenges that they will face. They will be better, stronger, and more prepared for future obstacles by enduring through they encounter as they climb to the peak. Similarly, if we are going to persevere we can anticipate that there will be a similar experience for us. If we want to persevere, we need to appreciate the blessings of remaining steadfast. 

Recently, much of the nation was captivated by the site of watching the Olympics on TV. I didn’t watch them much but one of the things that fascinated me about the Summer Games was hearing the backstory on many of the athletes. Whether it was Gabby Douglas or Michael Phelps, one after another talked about how many hours they had spent practicing and preparing for these few moments on the world’s stage. Some of them sacrificed sleep, others sacrificed living with their families, just to pursue this passion and this dream.

What I never heard once, however, was someone saying that it wasn’t worth it. Even if the person didn’t win the medal – I never heard anyone say – “you know, I really wish I had given up long ago. Coming to practice everyday, doing what I was supposed to do even when it was hard – it was all a waste of time.” We never heard that because, whether we acknowledge it or not, there are good things that come as a result of remaining steadfast – in persevering in the things that God has called us to do. Even if the outcome is different than we anticipated – as James 1:12 tells us – persevering brings blessings. Therefore, we should acknowledge that trials will come and at the same time appreciate the blessings that will result from enduring through the difficulties.

This isn’t easy. We are used to looking for the “fix quick” and the shortest route. Sometimes God allows us to escape the challenges that otherwise might befall us. However, sometimes, God, in His graciousness, recognizes that the fastest way doesn’t always produce the greatest results. He knows that endurance isn’t just about the outcome, but about the process as well. Therefore, as we commit ourselves to persevere we need to recognize that in faithfully fulfilling this commitment, good often results. The outcome might not be what we want, but enduring regardless is coupled with blessings in and of itself.

If we want to persevere, we should anticipate the trials that are to come. But in doing so let us not neglect to also appreciate the blessings of remaining steadfast.

(If you missed it, the first part of this series can be found here.) 

Recently, I had the occasion to watch The Lord of the Rings Trilogy. Although I had seen parts of some of the movies before, this time I watched all three in the extended edition format. If you are familiar with the works of J.R.R. Tolkein you know that they tell the story of Frodo Baggins and his friend, Samwise Gamgee as they make their journey to the fires of Mordor. Along the way they meet many people – some foes and some friends. Meanwhile, they know that regardless of what happens as they travel, they must keep moving forward. The fate of Middle Earth rests on these two small hobbits’ shoulders.

At the end of the second movie, The Two Towers, Frodo begins questioning their quest and whether or not they can fulfill it. Sam, acknowledging that it “seems all wrong” begins reflecting on the great stories they have heard of heroes growing up. What sets legends apart, he realizes, is that they kept going. When odds were not in their favor, when villains seemed to wait them around every turn, they persevered. It was their perseverance they often was the difference in their victory. So it would be for Frodo and Sam as well.

It’s not only The Lord of the Rings that teaches the importance of perseverance, however. Scripture also has much to say at the topic. One verse in particular has had a significant impact in my own life in regards to this subject. That verse, James 1:12, states:

“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 verse, rich in encouragement and promise, teaches us at three things when it comes to the subject of perseverance. I’m going to explore each of these three things in separate blog posts. However, before we get to the promises of this verse, it’s important to acknowledge that endurance often starts in an unlikely place. Specifically, if we want to endure, the first thing we need to do is….

Anticipate that trials will come. 

One of the things that I love about this verse is that it makes no equivocation that trials are to be an expected part of this life. This is a theme that James continues from earlier in the chapter when readers are instructed to “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds….” There are no “ifs, ands or buts” about trials coming. James knows that his readers should anticipate difficulties and challenges.

This shouldn’t come as a surprise since James was echoing the words of Jesus. In other words, this wasn’t new news. In John 16:33 Jesus told his disciples that “in this world you will have tribulation,” however He provided this encouragement as well, “take heart; I have overcome the world.”

Too often as human beings we are adept at seeing the pain that others go through and thinking that nothing similar will happen to us. Additionally, somehow when we get through one trial, we think “what a relief – I’m so glad that’s over” and completely disregard the fact that if we are still breathing, there is likely additional turmoil that will come our way. We fool ourselves into thinking that there are nothing but blue skies up ahead, when history and Scripture tell us this is a false perspective.

What this means is that part of persevering through trials is acknowledging that they will come. Instead of spending our time feeling sorry for ourselves that a difficulty has arisen, we would be wise to acknowledge ahead of time that God’s Word specifically states that His children will have troubles – but He also states that we do not need to fear them – for He is greater than our trials will ever be. Acknowledging that trials will come doesn’t mean admitting defeat – it is simply clearly articulating what the journey will hold.

If you were to go on a journey – say to hike to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro – I hope that you would take the time to consider the differences in altitudes and terrains that you will cross along the way. I hope that you would be wise enough to realize that climbing to the top of this mountain is different from a stroll in the park – and that you would prepare accordingly. This doesn’t mean that you don’t climb – it simply means that you assess the situation as best you can ahead of time – that you seek God’s wisdom in doing so – and prepare for those trials by committing to remaining steadfast in Him.

In a similar way, we do ourselves a disservice if we willfully ignore the fact that trials are to be an expected part of life  – not only for the Christian, but especially for the Christian. If we acknowledge this, if we anticipate the difficulties that the journey will bring, we are more likely to remain steadfast when the difficult times do in fact come. As a result, we are more likely to endure until the end – to get to the place that God desires for us to be.

(We will continue looking at the importance of perseverance in the days ahead.)