Chaplain's Corner
Mark Shogren
May 2026
“Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.”
James 1:12
In today’s fallen and chaotic world we will most likely be faced with some kind of adversity or trial that tests our faith in God. We may wonder at times where is God in all of this? God’s Holy word assures us He is on His Throne, ruling over His entire creation. “The Lord has established His throne in the heavens, And His sovereignty rules over all.” Psalms 103:19. The epistle of James was written by James the half brother of Jesus. James became the key leader in the Jerusalem church, and was considered one of the pillars of the church. Meditating on this verse can lead us to think about how we have responded in the past when faced with various difficulties or trials. Do we lash out at God or give up easily when confronted with challenges, or do we persevere with faith and hope in God? James encourages us to open our eyes to God’s viewpoint so we might see His divine purpose behind the trials we face. We strengthen our character and demonstrate our trust in God’s will for us by enduring trials with faith and patience, which leads to spiritual growth. Romans 5:3-4 “Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope”. James used the Greek word “makarios” which is translated “blessed”. This same word “blessed” was used throughout the Beatitudes, for example in Matthew 5:3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven”. “Blessed” means supremely blessed, fortunate, happy, which is God’s favor His grace. When a believer is faced with a trial your trust and faith in God produces an inner peace that all will be well. This is a peace that can’t be explained which is given to those that are faithful, Philippians 4:7 “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus”. This peace is unaffected by outward circumstances it comes through the power of the Holy Spirit, Romans 15:13 “Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Being “approved” requires a faith and trust in God during difficult times. Over the decades that I have lived since becoming a Christian, I can look back over my life and see how my faith in God has become deeper during various trials, resulting in spiritual growth. It has drawn me closer to God instead of pushing me away. When you rely on God’s strength and not your own during difficult times it gives you a sense of hope, and trust in God. Your faith ultimately leads to God’s “approval”, you passed the test you endured trial, just like so many examples we have like “Job” in the word of God.
“The crown of life” here denotes the believer’s ultimate reward, eternal life. This is God’s promise to every faithful believer either at death or Christ’s return.
I would encourage you Stand firm in your faith during the difficulties of life. God said in His word “I will never leave you or forsake you”, Deuteronomy 31:8 “It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”
Let us praise God for His goodness and grace, and seek to stand firm in Christ while holding fast to the promises of God, for our eternal reward, “the crown of life” and to His greater glory.
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