Steadfast = Blessing

11 Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the
steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate
and merciful (James 5:11-12).

Have you ever competed in a competition that was very physically taxing? Have you ever been
pushed to the limit of your ability? Have you every been in a contest that made you want to quit,
but you finally endured to the end?

How did that make you feel when you finished?

Many people who run marathons will tell you that it is painfully grueling. There are
many moments when it would be easy to give up and call it quits. The legs are burning. The
lungs are burning. The arms want to fall off. It’s a rough 26.2 mile course.

But they will also tell you about the intense euphoria that is felt when they cross that
finish line that they have been yearning for. They made it! The suffering is all over and they can
rejoice in their accomplishment. They went to war with their body and they won! It’s an intense
feeling of blessing.

This is a perfect analogy for what James is communicating in our verses for today. He
says that those who remain steadfast in the face of suffering will have an intense feeling of blessing. So when you are facing an intense trial, remember the promise that awaits those who endure. The blessing will be rich and more than worth it.

Read Matthew 5:10-12
• How are these verses similar to our verses in James?
• Have you ever been persecuted for your faith? Ever been made fun of? Ever been told to keep
quiet about it?
• Jesus says that we’ll be blessed as well. What is his promise for those who endure?

Prayer
Our Father, help us to endure well. We want to honor you by trusting you in the midst of trail.
Give us the grace we need to endure. Give us the faith to count our lives as a living sacrifice,
wholly and pleasing to you. Give us minds that are set on things above and not on earthly things.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.