“As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy” (James 5:11).

We love those times when trouble seems far away and everything is going our way. It is more difficult to trust God when we face difficulties and challenges. There is a special blessing for those who persevere under pressure. Greek scholar R. C. H. Trench wrote that the Greek word used here translated “perseverance,” “always suggests manliness. It is not merely ‘endurance’ or ‘patience’ but the brave patience which we call ‘perseverance,’ which ‘remains under’ the load of affliction without faltering or complaint and goes right on no matter what the load may become.”

Each of us goes through times of pressure. When that happens don’t forget the results God will bring about. In Job’s case, he was more blessed at the end than he was at the beginning of his story. For us, too, when we reach the last chapter of our story we will realize how compassionate and merciful God really is.

It’s important to remember God’s ultimate purpose while we’re bearing up under a time of stress and challenge. Hang in there because God has plans that will reveal your blessing and His compassion and mercy.