James 1:12-13 (ESV Strong's)
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. Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one.
Subject: Trial or Test or Temptation
When reading the above text I can't help but think of Job. Job was put to the ultimate test by God to see if he loved his prosperity (wealth and family) or if he loved his own personal health mor than he loved God. Jesus summed up the Law by saying we would love God more than anything. In the above text we read that steadfastness in the life of faith is holding up to demonstrate that we love God more than all. We see this because James tells us that those who do remain steadfast will receive the "crown of life, which God has promised to those who love Him." The text goes on to say that God does not "tempt" us. Rather God will allow circumstances of life to test our love for Him, above all else. When we, by faith, endure, we produced steadfastness. In the beginning of the chapter James writes that the trial of our faith producers all kinds of fruit, ultimately producing steadfastness:
James 1:2-3 (ESV Strong's)
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.
Steadfastness is something God wants in us and will reward us for our continued faith in Him.
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