Persevering into Joy 恒忍进入喜乐
Dexu Xia
Blessed is the one who perseveres. James 1:12
Today's Scripture James 1:2-12
Today's Insights Jesus is the greatest example of one who persevered under trial. Hebrews instructs us to “[Fix] our eyes on [him], the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (12:2). The Greek word translated “endured” (hypomenō) is rendered “perseveres” in James 1:12: “Blessed is the one who perseveres.” What’s in view in both usages is hopeful endurance. The anticipation of God-honoring, soul-strengthening outcomes calls for “joy” (v. 2) even in the midst of our challenges. Because navigating life’s difficulties can be hard, we’re invited to ask God for wisdom (v. 5) and trust that He’ll bring good out of our trials.
Today's Devotion Nestled in a corner of the brick steps leading up to our front door is a hardy little scarlet begonia. We didn’t plant it—it must have grown there from a seed that fell out of a hanging basket. But we’ve let it remain. Year after year it’s a cheerful reminder to my wife and me that perseverance is a beautiful thing.
James offers even more beautiful encouragement to persevere, especially to those facing opposition for their faith in Jesus: “Consider it pure joy . . . whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance” (James 1:2-3).
Pure joy? We balk at those words, but the apostle is looking forward to the truth that God is over everything and is able to bring good out of even difficult circumstances. James completes the thought: “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because . . . that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him” (v. 12). The word blessed is the same word Jesus uses in the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12), and it carries the meaning—among other things—of “happy.”
Whatever we face, including spiritual battles and life’s hard challenges, God will sustain us in His love and will one day mercifully reward us with the beauty of His joy.
Reflect & Pray
How does it help you to know that God is able to bring good out of our most challenging circumstances? What do you most look forward to from Him today?
Thank You for persevering to the cross for me, dear Jesus. You bring the greatest happiness of all! By James Bank
“ 忍受试炼的人有福了。”(雅各书 1:12
今日经文：雅各书 1章2-12 节
今日洞见：耶稣是在试炼中坚持到底的最佳榜样。希伯来书教导我们要“仰望为我们信心创始成终的耶稣。他因那摆在前面的喜乐，就轻看羞辱，忍受了十字架的苦难，便坐在神宝座的右边”（12:2）。希腊语中译为“忍受”的词，在雅各书1章12节中被译为“忍受试炼”（“坚持到底”），即“忍受试炼的人有福了”。这两处经文所指的都是一种充满盼望的坚持。因着期待那些能荣耀神并坚固心灵的结局，我们即便身处困境，也能拥有“喜乐”（2节）。面对生活中的艰难险阻往往不易，因此雅各邀请我们向神祈求智慧和信心，信靠主使我们经历试炼结出美好的果实。
今日灵修：在我们家门口通往大门的砖台阶一角，长着一株生命力顽强的深红色秋海棠。我们并没有刻意种植它，它很可能是从悬挂花篮里掉落的种子长出来的。但我们任由它在那里生长。年复一年，它总是欢快地提醒我和妻子：坚持到底是一件美好的事。 雅各为“坚持到底”提供了更美好的鼓励，特别是针对那些因信耶稣而遭受反对的人：“你们落在百般的试炼中，都要以为大喜乐，因为知道你们的信心经过试验，就生出忍耐（或作：坚持到底的能力）”（雅各书 1:2-3）。 “大喜乐”？我们或许会对这几个字感到难以接受，但使徒所期望的是：神掌管一切，甚至能使门徒在艰难的处境中结出美好的果实。雅各进一步阐明道：“忍受试炼的人有福了，因为他经历试验后必得生命的冠冕，这是主应许给那些爱他之人的”（12节）。 “有福”这个词，正是耶稣在“八福”（马太福音5章3-12节）中所使用的词；它包含着“快乐”等多种含义。 无论我们面临什么，包括属灵争战和生活中的艰难挑战，神都会以祂的爱扶持我们，并且，终有一天上帝会满怀怜悯地把祂那美好的喜乐赏赐给我们。
反思与祷告 知道上帝能从我们最艰难的境遇中成就美善之事，对你有什么帮助？今天，你最期待从祂那里得到什么？ 亲爱的耶稣，感谢祢为我坚持恒忍，走向十架，给我带来至高无上的快乐！作者：詹姆斯 班克