Could you cheerfully accept the government seizing your bank account because you stood up for Biblical values? These faith heroes did so because they knew they had buried their true wealth in heaven, which, as Jesus stated, cannot be taken and does not rust or decay (Matthew 6:19-202). It will last forever! However, the Hebrews were unsettled by the constant threat, so the author advises them to persevere while keeping their eyes on the prize. That is what James says his readers would be the result of their ordeal: endurance. Faith, not sight, guides our steps (2 Corinthians 5:73). We know we are in God's care and that we have a bright future ahead of us. We are on the narrow path that leads to eternal life, and there are delights for all eternity at Jesus' right hand (Psalm 16:114).

Tyrants and thieves who force us to suffer are actually blessing us. They are removing our hope in the temporal and forcing us to focus on what is truly important (2 Corinthians 4:17-185). They will take the broad route, only to find themselves forever separated from the presence of the Lord (Matthew 7:13-146; 2 Thessalonians 1:97). The small path we take will always lead to great bliss. That does not imply that following Jesus is simple. He told us not to expect it (John 16:28). Trials are frequently excruciatingly unpleasant and distressing. We even weep over some tribulations. But, according to James, the believer's heart can still be filled with immense joy despite the agony. We have a hope that beyond what this world can provide. It is a certain hope. Jesus will be glorified in us, and we shall be amazed in His presence for the rest of our lives (2 Thessalonians 1:109)!

This viewpoint implies that we should not be afraid of what man can do to us because man cannot take away what is everlasting (Matthew 10:28). He can try to stifle our faith and cause us to question, but remember Psalm 73 when he tries. The psalmist expresses his envy towards the wicked. They appear to get away with everything and prosper as a result. They have no fear of God, and it appears that God is allowing them to do so.

The psalmist was perplexed by this harsh reality until he walked into the temple and received the following revelation: Psalm 73:18-28 18 You truly put them in perilous situations; you cause them to crumble. How they are annihilated in an instant, carried away completely by terrors! 20 When you awaken, O Lord, you reject them as phantoms, as one does in a dream. 21 When my soul was embittered, when my heart was pierced, 22 I was rude and stupid toward you, like a beast. 23 Nonetheless, I am always with you; you have my right hand. 24 You will lead me with your advice, and then you will receive me into glory. 25 Who else do I have in heaven but you? And there is nothing else I want more than you. 26 My flesh and heart may fail, but God is my heart's strength and my portion forever. 27 For see, those who are far from you will perish; you will destroy anybody who is unfaithful to you. 28 But it is fortunate for me to be close to God; I have made the Lord God my refuge, so that I may testify of all your works.

In his condition of envy, the psalmist compares himself to a wild beast, only thinking about what would be satisfying at the time. They will perish, and with them their hopes, dreams, and worldly pleasures. However, God is always with the psalmist, guiding him and grasping his right hand. He will admit him to glory. Even if his health fails, God is his heart's strength. He wishes to be close to God, his refuge. God demonstrated to him the nature of temporary worldly pleasure (Hebrews 11:24-2511).

As a result, when hardships come our way, we should consider them a blessing that will help us mature and keep our hearts fixed on the eternal. Instead of being envious of the wicked and wondering, "Why God?" Why are you allowing this to happen? "I will praise you in the storm, for you are good and always do good," we can sing. My trial has a purpose, and I think it will help to pull me closer to You and make me more like You. Show me what I need to know from this trial. The apostles were clearly in pain as the Sanhedrin flogged them, yet they left joyful that they had been considered worthy of suffering for Jesus (Acts 5:40-4112).

We just finished reading about it at the end of Jonah. Jonah was enraged at God's grace for Israel's adversary. God chose that shrub to provide shade for him as he sulked in his makeshift shelter. God dispatched a worm the next day to kill the plant. Jonah discovered that he was more concerned with the plant than with the 120,000 people and their animals because he was more concerned with himself and his comfort than with their everlasting souls (Jonah 4:10, 1113). What a lesson in self-centeredness and fleshly attitudes! What a necessary trial, for which he should have praised God for his patience in teaching him that lesson.

We are either entering, in, or coming out of a trial. Everyone, especially the wealthy and secure, faces difficulties in life (Job 14:114). We just do not notice their trials because they are able to conceal them. So many celebrities and celebrities die as a result of drug overdoses.

The Christian faces additional difficulties because, as Jesus stated, "If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, I chose you out of the world, and the world hates you." 20 Remember what I told you: 'A servant is not greater than his master.' They will persecute you if they persecuted me. John 15:19,20a The lives of those on the broad road confront those on the small road, and they do not like it. They will exploit us as scapegoats whenever possible since it allows them to evade prosecution. James is asking us to be prepared for it and to thank God for it. Is it your ambition to be on the narrow path that leads to eternal life with Jesus? Then you can rejoice when you are persecuted for your faith or face hardships in life because you follow Jesus (2 Corinthians 7:415). It confirms that you are on that tiny road. It is an indication that God is shaping and molding you. Is that what you're looking for? Or do you wish to live for the sake of temporary pleasure?