God has not forgotten you! Those are some of the sweetest words anyone who has been through severe drought and storm can hear. Let’s really look at what God is saying to us in this verse of scripture as we pick it apart…
“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
The NLT says perseveres under trial, while the NKJV says endures under temptation. But make no mistake about it… temptation = a test or a trial. God says those who endure and persevere through their trials, adversities, and hardships are blessed. This promise isn’t just for sufferers, but for sufferers who endure, who with patience and constancy go through all difficulties. To endure is to keep pressing, keep moving forward with your face like flint; not turning to the left or right – even though that temptation or trial may be knocking on your door – even though that temptation is knocking on your mind – even though that temptation is trying to get your flesh all stirred up. Because you’re pressing and enduring, the Lord calls you blessed!
The only reason we can keep pressing and enduring is that we have decided we love God more than those temptations. I’ll say it again… The only reason we can keep pressing and enduring is because we love God more!
I was watching a YouTube video of a great evangelist, Anita Fuentes, and she shares this powerful truth… Let me love you enough to tell you that if you keep running back and just can’t break free from whatever your hang up is, whatever the devil or your flesh is tempting you with, and you’re a Christian, is simply because you have never totally-100% made up your mind that you love God more than you love that thing.
The moment you make up your mind to keep enduring with Jesus, whatever is holding you to that temptation will break. It will have no more power over you, because you have allowed the Father to come and penetrate your mind, your soul, and your spirit. When the love of God comes into your life and manifests itself fully, you will in turn, love Him. When you love Him more, decide that you want Him more, and will follow Him and not give into that temptation – that temptation will break! Unless you make that decision, it’s going to keep on happening. It’s the love of the Father that breaks the yoke; it’s the anointing of the Lord. It’s the only way that anything is broken. When you want God more – you are not going anywhere!
I encourage you to check out Evangelist Anita Fuentes. Here is the link to her YouTube page… https://www.youtube.com/user/PureGraceEvangelism/videos
