How Long, O Lord?: A Journey From Exhaustion to HopeSample

When you're weary, it's tempting to look for the easy way out. But James offers a different perspective for those who are tired of fighting.

James 1:12 CSB says, "Blessed is the one who endures trials, because when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him."

From the very beginning, the church included people who were very wealthy and very poor. James addresses both groups, reminding the poor not to consider their current station as permanent and challenging the rich not to be arrogant, as earthly wealth won't last forever.

But here's James's crucial question for both groups: "What is the source of your hope? Is it getting more wealth? Is it keeping what you have? Or is it something deeper?"

This is where I need to issue a warning. As a pastor, when I hear people talk about heaven, I often listen to them focus on the crowns they'll receive, the mansions they'll live in, and the streets of gold they'll walk on. I want to caution you: beware of seeing your future life with God through the lens of your present sin.

Too many descriptions of heaven sound like a greedy vision that resembles the classic TV show, "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous," or what you see when you scroll through social media influencers' feeds. If your hope for enduring present trials is a materialistic view of heaven, you're deceiving yourself.

If your vision of heaven requires five or six or seven things to mention God, then your vision of the future is being marked more by your sin than your faith. No vision of heaven works without centering the presence of Jesus.

I'm not against mansions or streets of gold or crowns, as long as those are secondary to the real prize and the real treasure, which is God himself.

That's why James says you can endure trials when your focus isn't on what you don't have that you wish you had, or on keeping what you have and fearing you'll lose it. You can endure when your hope is in the One who actually provides everything and gives you the ability to steward whatever He's given you.

The crown of life that God promises isn't just about some future reward. It's about the abundant life with God that begins now and continues forever. When James talks about being "blessed" for remaining steadfast, he's pointing to a life marked by God's favor and presence.

Here's the encouragement for weary believers: God sees you going through whatever trial you're facing today. He will strengthen you and enable you to remain steadfast as you look to Him. And once you've endured, He will reward your faithfulness.

However, if you're trying to remain steadfast for your own agenda, you won't succeed. Only God will get you through. The real treasure isn't what you'll get from God; it's God himself.

Tomorrow, we'll explore the dangerous traps that often catch weary people when we're most vulnerable.