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 1:12 NIV
I've always related this verse to the big things.
The Martin Luther King type trials, the missionary isolated from family and friends, the big spiritual battle...but...the more I've thought about this it's just as appropriate for the person who struggles quietly and daily with loneliness, or pain, or the small daily choices that we make to choose joy, to ignore the negative, the daily choice to look out for someone, to encourage someone even when there's nothing in return.
This is every bit as much of a trial...and a test...a test that leads to life
#thatstherealtest
...four men arrived carrying a paralyzed man on a mat. They couldn't bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, so they dug a hole through the roof above his head. Then they lowered the man on his mat, right down in front of Jesus... Mark 2:3-4 NLT Great account of inventiveness and determination to get their friend to see Jesus. Love this. Do you wonder about the back story? Are these the same 4 people who bring this man food? Take him to the toilet every day. Clean him up. Does he live with one of them? Are they family? Are there whole families or groups of people in the background who have supported and cared for this man? A group of children who grew up seeing their parents love in action? Probably. Healing Help Hope These things are found in community. These 4 guys are the heroes here. The upfront people. One day it will be interesting to see who the background heroes are. #loveinaction #community #inthistogether #walkingeachotherhome #gospelofmark
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