Coronam Vitae vs. Corona Virus (Devotion #9)

CORONAM VITAE VS. CORONA VIRUS

“Testing and Blessing”

James 1:12 “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.”

This is the same phrase, coronam vitae (crown of life), that we started these devotions with from Revelation 2:10. The crown of life is God’s promise to us in the end. It’s the best of life in heaven that is beyond anything we can compare it to (2 Corinthians 4:17). But the crown of life comes after the trials of this life. The blessing comes after the testing.

But don’t misunderstand. This isn’t a test like you take in school – pass/fail. This is testing like when you’re training your body for the Olympics. You’re testing in order to strengthen. In this case, God is testing us in order to strengthen our faith in Jesus Christ and give us steadfastness.

James 1:3, “For you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.” Friends, I don’t like this testing any more than anyone else does. I will forthrightly confess that I have had many moments during this quarantine that I haven’t feared, loved, and trusted God above all things. (Lord, have mercy!) At the same time, however, I know that God is doing His work on all of us to strengthen our faith and produce steadfastness in us.

If we remain in Jesus Christ and in His promises, we will come out of this time stronger than when we entered it. And ultimately, there is a life awaiting us after this test where there are no viruses, no deaths, no separations, and no sorrow. To God then we commend ourselves during this test. He’s working steadfastness in you. Praise God!

Here’s a great verse of comfort from the hymn “Who Trusts in God a Strong Abode”:

In all the strife
    Of mortal life
Our feet will stand securely;
    Temptation’s hour
    Will lose its pow’r,
For You will guard us surely.
    O God, renew
    With heav’nly dew
Our body, soul, and spirit
    Until we stand
    At Your right hand
Through Jesus’ saving merit. (LSB 714:3)

Prayer: Heavenly Father, You promise the crown of life to those who remain steadfast in Jesus Christ throughout this life. Forgive us when we doubt Your goodness and use the trials of this life to produce steadfastness in us. Direct and defend our President and all in authority as they make decisions to protect the people of our nation from this virus;  through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.