James 1:12

“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.”

Why do we invest in the stock market, or mutual funds, or precious metals, or real estate? Is it not the hope of a future reward? With every earthly investment comes a certain level of risk…and so it is with your investments in heavenly things. You risk embarrassment, condemnation, relationships, your job, and in some cases, even your life. The risks can be enormous, but unlike our earthly investments, the rewards are assured and the return, eternal.

When you make an earthly investment, you usually have to wait for the rewards. You have to “cash out” in order to realize a benefit. Sure, the value can go up while you wait and that sure feels good…but if turbulent economic times have taught us anything, they have taught us that those increases in value can turn to losses overnight.

Not so with the investments of James 1:12. With every day of perseverance under trial your faith will be strengthened…Your witness will be brighter…Your walk with the Lord more rewarding…Your treasure in Heaven made more abundant. Robert Louis Stevenson once said, “Saints are sinners who keep on going.” With that in mind, let’s keep going! It’s going to be worth it.