Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. James 1:13
Who is it that wears a crown? It isn't a peasant. It is the king, the prince, those in the line of royalty - those born of noble blood.
Isn't that what we are? As God's children, either by birth or adoption, aren't we in a royal line? Weren't we born of the most noble blood of all - reborn by the shed blood of Jesus Christ?
As those born of noble blood, the crown is always within our reach. But why is it such a struggle to wear it? We cannot seem to stand the tests of everyday. We cannot seem to persevere under the trials of life. Will we ever receive the crown God has promised? Or must we wait until we are in the throne room of heaven?
Lord, Your Word says that we will receive the crown promised to us when we have stood the test. Help me to stand the test. For so many years, I haven't persevered; I've quit running the race. But the crown has always been there within my grasp - ready to be worn.
Father, I believe the biggest tests of my life are yet to come. There is hope in this. Maybe the crown awaiting me is the most precious. I believe it is. Give me the strength to persevere. Give me the strength to stand the test. Give me the strength to wear the crown.