[Yellow Balloons Series] The Recipe for Victory Sýnishorn

The Enigma of Perseverance

We finish our series by returning to the beginning. The first chapter of James introduces an enigma. It states that when we encounter adverse circumstances, we must make the choice to view them as “pure joy.” The fact that we get to choose the perspective is a huge revelation. Besides, God will never ask us to do anything we are not capable of doing.

Moreover, through this first chapter of the book of James, we can clearly understand that difficulties are part of life. The Christian life is not a playground; it is a battlefield. As we have discovered, all circumstances are trials. Prosperity is perhaps the most difficult to endure, and endurance is a great benefit to us in life. 

James 1:12 tells us that endurance is the means by which we gain the “victor’s crown of life.” Keep abiding, stay rooted in God’s love, love him when things are going well and when life is not going that well. This is the way to win; this is the victorious Christian life!

James does not pretend that this is easy. He acknowledges that we will need help, so he instructs us to ask for wisdom. How are we supposed to see life with the right perspective? James answers: Ask God, and he will reveal how. 

When we struggle or face trials in life, we become aware of our weaknesses and our need to depend on the Lord. But this is okay: God’s power is made perfect in our weaknesses. Just let God take over!

Interestingly, when we ask, we are instructed to do it with no doubt. If we believe that God will give us the right perspective, then we will gain it. But if we doubt, we are “double-minded.”

If we try to have the mind of God and the mind of the world, James tells us that we will be “tossed by the wind,” like a paper blowing in a gale, being swept along by surrounding circumstances. I do not know if you realize how profound and powerful this is. We have the capability, through our free will, to choose life or death. We get to choose who we get to trust – God, our flesh, the world, or the devil. 

I do not know about you, but I choose life. I cannot rely on my feelings; they come as fast as they go away. I will not trust the world nor conform to it. Trusting the devil is out of the question. James’ final advice compels us to choose a godly perspective! If we ask, believing and not doubting, God will give us the wisdom to know his perfect will – this is the recipe for victory!

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