Blessed While Enduring the Trial
Behold, happy is the man whom God corrects: Therefore do not despise the chastening of the Almighty. — Job 5:17
Blessed is the man who endures temptation, for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord promised to those who love him. — James 1:12
Author
Charles Spurgeon
Summary: We are blessed even as we endure the trial, though only eyes anointed by God can recognize it. Perseverance requires that we neither rebel against Him nor abandon our integrity. When the trial ends, the crown of life confirms His approval and the fulfillment of His purpose for us. Those who steadfastly endure trials of faith and love already receive a higher spiritual life and greater joy. That crown is promised to those who love the Lord: only such love sustains us in the difficult hour without being quenched by the waters. May His love nourish ours to the end.
Yes, he is blessed while he is enduring the trial. No eye can see this unless it has been anointed with heavenly eye salve. But he must endure it, and must neither rebel against God nor depart from his integrity. The one who has passed through the fire and has not been consumed like a counterfeit is blessed.
When the trial is over, then comes the seal of divine approval: “the crown of life.” As though the Lord were saying, “Let him live; he has been weighed in the balance and was not found wanting.” Life is the reward, the fulfillment of the divine purpose concerning us. A higher form of spiritual life and joy already crowns those who have safely passed through the fiercest trials of faith and love. The Lord has promised the crown of life to those who love Him. Only those who love the Lord will endure in the hour of trial; the rest will sink, or lose heart, or return to the world. Come, my heart, do you love your Lord? Truly? Deeply? Entirely? Then that love will be tested; but many waters will not be able to quench it, nor will rivers drown it. Lord, let Your love nourish my love to the end.
Source: The Checkbook of the Bank of Faith. Translated by Allan Roman.
http://www.spurgeon.com.mx/chequera/meditames/septiembre.pdf