Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial. (James 1:12)
I was recently involved in a production of the Wizard of Oz. I was the Tin Man. The thing about putting together musicals is that it seems like everything continually goes wrong until everyone pulls together the last week and puts on a good show. The end product, the joy and entertainment provided to an audience, seems to trump every bad thing that happened leading up to it.
The same seems to be true in life. Wouldn’t life just be wonderful if you never had to deal with any problems, and everything just went your way? Sure. However, the fall of man and the introduction of sin to the world ruined that. You will, without any doubt, go through trials and hard times. But, you have a hope. Those who persevere will receive the crown of life God has promised. They will be forever free of suffering, for “he will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain” (Rev. 21:4).
In this life, trials are inevitable. But we have a way to persevere through peace, wisdom, prayer, rest, and community. Because of the work of Jesus and the leading of the Holy Spirit, we have a way. You will get through this. And it will be worth it all in the end.
Take time to recognize the hope you have in God.
Ethan Zent is from Fort Wayne, Indiana. He’s studying worship leading and pursuing Wesleyan ordination at Kingswood University.
© 2019 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission.
