Over the years, I have seen more Christians falling away from God than I ever dreamed possible. These people hear the Good News of the Gospel, and they become so focused on the rewards they think are owed to them, that when trouble strikes, they decide that following Christ just isn't worth it. What they fail to realize is that there are "untold blessings" for those whose "faith remains strong, even while surrounded by life's difficulties." And they miss out on the greatest joys that they could ever experience, because just as the second half of this verse says, "True happiness comes as you pass the test with faith, and receive the victorious crown of life promised to every lover of God!"

The Bible has a lot to say about perseverance and endurance during hard times. In this same letter, James writes: "You know we call those blessed [happy, spiritually prosperous, favored by God] who were steadfast and endured [difficult circumstances]. You have heard of the patient endurance of Job and you have seen the Lord's outcome [how He richly blessed Job]. The Lord is full of compassion and is merciful." (James 5:11 AMP) God "richly blessed Job" for not losing his faith in Him during his painfully "difficult circumstances," by giving him twice as many blessings as he possessed before his trials. If Job were here, he could tell you himself about "the untold blessings of God."

Think of all the people who have missed out on the greatest blessings of their lives, simply because they gave up on God when things got too hard for them. Please don't be one of those people. The Lord's plans for you far exceed any plans that you could come up with on your own. When trouble comes, run TO God, and not away from Him. He's the only One who has the power and the wisdom to turn your trials into triumphs. Let me encourage you with a word from the Lord today: "Do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God's will. Then you will receive ALL that He has promised!" (Hebrews 10:35-36 NLT)

Prayer: Lord, help me to feed on Your Word and promises continually, so that my faith will remain strong, even while surrounded by life's difficulties. Help me to never cast away my confident trust in You, but to lean heavily upon You in times of trial. Teach me to practice patient endurance, and to keep my eyes and thoughts fixed on You. (Hebrews 12:2; 3:1) Thank You for the untold blessings and rewards that I will reap as a result!