In the book of James, he writes to the Jewish Christians among the twelve tribes, part of the diaspora, living away from their homeland. In James 1:12, he proclaims how the steadfast endurance of trials will produce two things, blessing and the crown of life. Trials need no explanation. Although they may be different than what first century Jewish Christians experienced, we can certainly relate in the context of our current day. What about the rewards though? His language is curious. What do trials have to do with flourishing? On the surface, the two seem diametrically opposed.  

In the original language, blessing means an inner quality of joy resting in God and unaffected by external events. The crown of life is a recognition from God for spiritual victory, a spiritual privilege which gives a deeper, fuller life on earth (John 10:10) and an unending, joyous life in the world to come.* 

How do we endure, and flourish amid trials? When we’re actually going through them, the temptation is to lose hope. One way is to engage in the spiritual disciplines. Richard Foster in his book Celebration of Discipline, lists several spiritual disciplines we can practice to keep us steadfast during trial.  

Here are just a few:  

• Prayer – submit to God every aspect of your trial 




• Study God’s Word – read and meditate on it throughout the day 




• Simplicity - shed those things that unnecessarily complicate life 




• Service – serving others brings our own trials into greater perspective  

To flourish during trial means to stay focused on God and His Word. Discard things that detract and add things which enhance. Be diligent and trust in the Lord that He will see you through your dark night of the soul. Blessing and the crown of life await.  

“We know there's more. We have a longing for eternity, and that longing is itself a longing for God who exists outside of time.” ― Jen Wilkin, Genesis: In the Beginning, a Study of Genesis 1-11 

* Lea, T. D. (1999). Hebrews, James (Vol. 10, pp. 260–261). Broadman & Holman Publishers.