Dia numero dos, versiculo doce

12 'Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.'

What is the crown of life? Sounds valuable. Is it used anywhere else, and is it a metaphor for salvation or something else? These people are already physically living and have not yet received it.

Also, what states are implied; what parallels run throughout the verse? First off, we have a cause and effect between steadfastness and the receiving of the crown. So, does steadfast mean we handle the trials perfectly? Almost perfectly, more that 50% well, what exactly is it?

First, before answering that question, it will probably be more helpful to classify in the most general case the nature of trials and tests. They both quantify something, usually measuring success vs. failure. Although there is more than the dichotomy between the two, there also are two definite results. So when we endure through hard times daily or seasons of life, it comes down to trust ultimately. Either we see this present reality or look at these shadows in front of us and deal with them knowing they are shadows cast by true substance. Hence the fight of faith. Is Christ truly the Son of God almighty? Is this just a fairy tale made to explain away difficulty for the weak minded?

This kind of blessing is the kind of promise that glances lightly off my heart, for I don't truly believe in the blessedness of the crown of life, but in life now, attention and respect from people, being able to influence those around me. What unblessedness. All these shadows lull me to sleep into a drunken stupor of meandering down the stream of daily monotony. Getting through work each day to make it to the weekend so we have something to talk about at work on Monday.

'So God please set me on a trajectory in life, not just tomorrow, of pursuing full happiness in the thought of being with you, that it might also spill into the lives around me. I just feel like I will implode under the pressure of being such a failure in this world. So many mistakes and so weak. Please bring me to a point where I can be boasting in all this weakness that you are perceived as the glorious being you are. Thank you that your Gospel going forth and salvation of people is through other broken messed- up people, but that we are not left to our strength to change someone's mind. Life here is hard and I want to be with you. Thanks for getting us through tough times. Amen. '