In Prosperity and Adversity.  How many times has a Minister uttered those words to a naive couple during a wedding ceremony.  Yet these words involve two of the greatest tests of life.  Christians are tested in the area of adversity, often in financial adversity.  Many can relate to this test and God's faithfulness during these times of adversity.  There is also a test of prosperity.  Many Christians seem ill equipped to handle the tests of prosperity.  Can you be faithful to Christ in both circumstances. 

James discusses these two tests that he knew his congregation would be facing as they were literally being sown into the gentile world around theme. 

Can you pass the test in the Crucible of Adversity?

Can you pass the test in the Crucible of Advantage?

James 1:9-12 (NASB)

9  But the brother of humble circumstances is to glory in his high position;

10  and the rich man is to glory in his humiliation, because like flowering grass he will pass away.

11  For the sun rises with a scorching wind and withers the grass; and its flower falls off and the beauty of its appearance is destroyed; so too the rich man in the midst of his pursuits will fade away.

12  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 says there is a "crown" for all who can stand the tests.

Kelly Carr, Pastor, New Hope Community Church, 3849 FM 1827, McKinney, Texas 75071,

#Prosperity #Adversity #BookofJames