There are two things that believers of all ages and climes can expect in equal measures – trials and temptations. James dealt with both. His first thought after the customary greetings to open his letter was on trials. The focus in our text is temptation. Both trials and temptations will require patience and endurance to handle. Does the two mean the same thing? Though they look close and may sometimes be used one for another, there are clear lines of demarcation. Trials are the difficulties strewn in the way of a child of God to cause a summersault to his or her faith. It may range from denial of rights to corporal punishment. Anything endured in the defense of the gospel and the name of the Lord will neatly fall under trial.

“Fix your gaze on the crown of glory that is reserved for overcomers. If you have the crown in view, you can muster the strength to endure the difficulties of the moment.”

Temptation, on the other hand, is an inducement to sin. It describes all the appeal of the flesh, the world, and Satan for a believer to make choices contrary to God’s will. The primary call of a believer is to be conformed to the image of Christ and walk to please God in all things. The devil will not make that an easy option. Not even Jesus escaped buffeting temptations from the devil. Right at the onset of His ministry, the tempter came. He tried to lure Jesus into using power to satisfy personal needs. Jesus was not ready to take orders from the devil to do that. He was also tempted along other lines, but He overcame. After His resounding victory, angels came and ministered to Him. This brings us to a vital lesson when tempted, the focus should be the awaiting results at the end. This is what our text is encouraging us to do. Fix your gaze on the crown of glory that is reserved for overcomers. If you have the crown in view, you can muster the strength to endure the difficulties of the moment.