Wednesday, June 1, 2011

WEDNESDAYintheWORD: "A Crown for You" -Greg Laurie

A Crown for You

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. 
—James 1:12

With two granddaughters, I am just discovering that little girls like to dress up as princesses. Having raised two boys, I had never dealt with this. But now I know that little girls like to be princesses. This was further confirmed when I was at Disneyland awhile ago and saw little Cinderellas and Sleeping Beauties walking around, complete with full gowns, crowns, and scepters.

There is something about us that wants to be royalty. The good news is that for believers, a crown of life is specifically promised for the man or woman who has resisted temptation and persevered under trial: "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" (James 1:12).

It doesn't seem fair sometimes when we see people suffer, when we see someone who has to go through life with a disability or difficulty. But God says, "I have a special crown for those who have endured this. I have a special crown for those who are hurting. I have a special crown for those have resisted temptation."

Maybe while many of your friends caved in and said, "You are missing out on all of the fun," you said, "I am going to be faithful to God. I am not going to do what you are doing." One day, you will have a crown to show for it.

Not only that, but there is also the crown of righteousness, which will be given to those who have served God and have a heart for heaven (see 2 Timothy 4:8). Do you long for the return of Jesus Christ? Then there is a crown that awaits you. So complete the work God has given you to do. Make your life count. 

 

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