Jesus Emboldens Us

March 5

Count it all joy, my brethren, when you meet various trials, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. - James 1:24

What better place to turn for counsel on a difficult day than to the eternal, living Word of God that helps us to put the trials of life into their proper perspective! The apostles of Jesus were no stranger to trial. They had watched when Jesus was nailed to the cross and they saw Him die. They retreated in fear after the crucifixion, knowing their own lives were in jeopardy. But after they saw the Risen Jesus, they went to the Upper Room in prayer. Here they remained until the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-24).

But persecution became rampant. First Peter and John were arrested at the Temple when they healed a lame man (Acts 3:1-4:21). Then Stephen was martyred (Acts 7:1-60). James was slain by the sword. James' martyrdom is not the only one—all the apostles but John were martyred for their faith.

Were fear and anxiety a part of that time? Of course they were, but the followers of Jesus were not scattered like mice from a sinking ship! They were rallied to a height of courage and faith that had eluded them before. They indeed counted their trials as joy and they became steadfast, perfect and complete because of them. They lacked nothing they needed to overcome the challenges before them.

They are our inspiration to do the same! Their transformation occurred when they saw the risen Lord. Thomas, the doubter, proclaimed when he saw the wounds in Christ's hands and side, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28) Thomas discerned then that Jesus was no ordinary man. Perhaps he saw who the 'real' Jesus is for the first time at that moment of recognition. That is the Jesus who, when we see Him as He is, empowers us to overcome our trials!

The nail-scared Jesus emboldens us to tackle our challenges, to confound our accusers, to defend our integrity and to love our enemies! The nail-scared Jesus is all we need to overcome the trials of life, for He has conquered all of them in our behalf! Though our victory may seem long in coming; though our accusers and tormenters may appear to have the upper hand, we know their seeming victory is short in duration for God will “perform all things for us!” (Psalm 57:2) And it is His Spirit who helps us to see the trials of life as the defeated foes that they are when we know Christ.