Willing to wear the crown

Charles Spurgeon once remarked: "Many would be willing to wear a crown, but few are willing to bear a cross." 

And what he was getting at is that there are many Christians who are happy to wear the crown - to walk with Christ when it feels like we are winning, or life is going great. However, there are very few of us who are willing to carry the cross - to keep close to Jesus when things are going belly up.  

As disciples of Jesus, we will need to embrace hardship, and to trust that bearing the cross is not a sign of failure.

James 1:12 - God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Remain standing

"Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him." - James 1:12

Did you notice that?
James says we are BLESSED when we persevere under trial. In other words, when we hold fast during times of pressure and stress, God considers us Blessed. This can be seen as a test in some ways, designed to make us stronger and more prepared for the next part of our faith journey. Our prize in the end is a crown - a reward that lasts forever.

So, if this is you at the moment, then I invite you to persevere. Face the challenges head on and don't back down, because God will be with you always.

"Anyone who meets a testing challenge head-on and manages to stick it out is mighty fortunate. For such persons loyally in love with God, the reward is life and more life." - James 1:12 (Message)

Living in Grace
D3LM3

No variation and trying to survive a water crisis

Living in the midst of the severe water crisis in Cape Town is certainly getting our family very focused on sparing water and, in a broader sense, is driving many people to their knees. Almost daily the residents of Cape Town hold their breath to find out whether Day Zero is still 12 April or whether it will move. The shifting dates makes people very nervous and has already caused much chaos in supermarkets - most shops have seen unprecedented 'runs' on water supplies.

While we all are trying to make a plan to save water, the shifting of Day Zero reminded me of this reading from James 1, which we shared yesterday.


"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”- James 1:17

The ESV says: "...with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change."

I have found this very reassuring and I invite you to hold onto this promise as you go through all your tasks this week. 

Living in Grace
D3LM3