April 7, 2020

Last week, I pointed out that the word “corona” means crown. And in essence the coronavirus is a crown of death. And the devil is seeking to kill our faith and confidence in the Lord, and destroy our hope.

But lets read James 1:12

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 is writing to an audience of Christian believers undergoing persecution because of their faith in Jesus Christ. James encourages the believers to persevere. For us, the word persevere has the implication of hanging on. But the Greek work suggests a standing firm, a remaining, abiding. It implies standing firm in the Lord; remaining or abiding in Him. And this is where the blessing is. “Blessed is the one who perseveres (remains, abides, stands in the Lord) having stood (endured) the test, that person will receive the crown of life. Its interesting to note that those who are in Christ, have already been crowned with His righteousness, and now we are being promised the crown of life. The Greek word here for life is zoes, which refers to abundant present physical life and future spiritual life. As we remain in the Lord, as we endure, as we abide, we will experience His life to the full.

So, its as we endure the strain, stress and pressure of the coronavirus pandemic; and its as we persevere with the restrictions that have been put in place; and its as we persevere in the Lord, that at the end of the day we will be crowned with life, healing and wholeness. Let’s not be tempted to run away, but be determined to persevere in the Lord.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank you for the reminder to persevere in the Lord. Jesus, you are life, so I submit myself to you today. And Holy Spirit, come and fill me today so that I might remain and persevere in the Lord and know the fullness of life that will come having endured the test. I choose to remain and persevere in you today Lord. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.