Do you want to be happy, spiritually prosperous, and favored by God? Also, would you like to receive the Crown of Life? Wouldn’t that be wonderful? It is possible. But there are stipulations to qualify for being blessed and for receiving the Crown of Life. James explains:

“Blessed [happy, spiritually prosperous, favored by God] is the man who is steadfast under trial and perseveres when tempted; for when he has passed the test and been approved, he will receive the [victor’s] crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him” (James 1:12, Amplified Bible).

Jesus said that everyone will experience trouble sooner or later (John 16:33). We want to be better, stronger, and wiser when trouble ends than we were before it began. We do not want our suffering to be in vain! James lists four stipulations we must meet to be victorious over life’s tribulations and to receive the Crown of Life:

      • When trials come, do not run. Be unwavering and committed to God’s way and will. Decide to see this thing to the end. I always say, “I do not want to go around this mountain again.”  Be steadfast under trial. 
      • Do not yield to Satan’s tricks. He will tell you that you do not deserve hard times; you are the child of the KING. Satan is the father of lies (John 8:44). Do not believe him. “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7, ESV). Persevere when tempted.
      • Position yourself to be rewarded. “But He knows the way I take; When He has tried me, I shall come forth as pure gold” (Job 23:10). For when he has passed the test and been approved, he will receive the [victor’s] crown of life.
      • Love the Lord completely.  “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind: (Luke 10:27). [T]he Lord has promised [the crown of life] to those who love Him”

What is this crown of life? Some scholars say it is not a golden, tangible crown, but it is a better life here on earth; and they quote Jesus, “The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows]” (John 10:10, Amplified Bible).

 I am reminded of Job. He lost his herds, his servants were killed, his children were killed, his friends misunderstood him, sores broke out all over his body, and his wife told him to curse God and die. But he went through the trial loving God. Job passed the test, was approved by God, and received double for his trouble. If the above scholars are correct, Job’s latter life is an example of someone receiving the Crown of Life here on earth.

The whole world is experiencing tremendous emotional, physical, mental, and financial stress during this pandemic. When we go through troubling times with God’s approval, we will be blessed [happy, spiritually prosperous, favored by God], which some say is the Crown of Life. Hallelujah! 

Would you like to experience God’s favor for the rest of your life; no matter what is going on in the world? Are you willing to meet the stipulations to qualify? Join the conversation.