Nov 30 - Day 334. Endure Temptation. James 1.12

“Blessed is the man that endured temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.” (James 1:12)

Welcome to another daily prayer. Prayer works. “Blessed is the man who withstands temptation, for when he emerges from the trials he faces, he will be rewarded with the crown of life, a promise made by the Lord to all who genuinely love Him. This enduring faith not only shapes character but also strengthens resolve, leading to the ultimate fulfillment of divine promises for those who remain steadfast amidst life's challenges.”

Transcript

Good morning, everyone! Welcome to another episode of EBC’s Prayer Podcast. Today is November 30, the last day of the month and the 334th day of the year, and we are grateful to share this time of prayer with you.

I’m your host, Dr. Victoria Haddad, the First Lady and Prayer Leader here at Elyon Bible Church Apostolic in Salem, NJ. 

Our scripture today will be taken from James 1:12, which reads: “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.” 

This verse is reminding us of the strength that comes from enduring challenges and staying steadfast in our love for God. 

As we navigate this day. If we face the trials, let us hold onto the promise of hope and reward that awaits us. 

Let’s pray

Dear Heavenly Father. Our Lord, God, and Savior, we come before you today with humble and grateful hearts. 

Lord, we are thankful for the gift of prayer, for the opportunity to draw near to you, to rest in your presence, and to seek your guidance as we go through this day. 

It is a joy to know that the creator of heaven and the creator of earth allows us to speak with him, and that you, our Lord, are listening to our prayer with love and care. 

Lord, for this, we give you glory, honor, and praise. Hallelujah to our Father. Hallelujah.

Father, your word reminds us that “Blessed is the man that endures temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.” 

Lord, help us to hold onto your promise and do what you desire for us to do. You said Blessed is the person who endures temptation. Lord, none of us wants to endure temptation. Sometimes temptation is hard. It is a hard task to bear. 

Lord, life is full of struggles, full of trials, full of temptations, and we don’t know what the day has in store, but we are depending on you for help. This is why we are praying and seeking your direction. We do not want the issues of life to pull us away from you. 

For you are faithful. You are steadfast when we are weak. You are strong when we are weary. You are holy when we stumble. And you are reminding us that endurance is not in vain.

Lord, remember those who are facing temptations that look different, some wrestle with doubt, some with fear, some with anger or despair, some with the lures of this world that promise satisfaction but only lead to emptiness. Lord, no matter the form, temptation seeks to distance us from your perfect will. But Father, we believe that you have the power to give us everything we need to stand firm in our faith. So help us not to give up on you as we go through this day.

Help us to face temptation and overcome it. You have not given us the spirit of fear, but of power and a sound mind. For when we are tried, we shall receive the crown of life, which you, our Father, hath promised to us that love you.

Lord, as we go through this day, strengthen and guide us.  Give us the strength to remain steadfast, even when our hearts grow weary. 

Give us the guide when fear rises and tells us we cannot continue. Give us wisdom to recognize the snares of the enemy, who seeks to destroy us. 

Lord, remind us that our battles are not against flesh and blood, but against powers of darkness, and you will help us, for the victory belongs to you.

Lord, help us not to rely on our own strength, because it will fail. Instead, let us rely fully on you. Teach us to abide in you daily and not be shaken when storms come. 

Plant us like trees by rivers of living water, so that even in seasons of drought, our roots will be nourished. Let us be people who not only endure trials but grow through them—people whose faith is refined like gold in the fire.

Lord, we are praying not only for ourselves, but for everyone across the world. Lord, you see everyone and you know them by name. Have mercy on those who are going through difficult seasons. Those who are facing trial because they are a Christian. Those who are battling sicknesses in their bodies. Those who are grieving losses. Those who feel abandoned, rejected, or overlooked. 

Everyone, Father, we lift before you, have mercy upon them, have mercy upon us, and cover them with your peace. 

Lord, let us be a blessing to others, for you have given us one another to encourage, uplift, and remind each other of your truth. 

And above all, let our lives bring you glory. Whether in seasons of joy or in seasons of hardship, let us be a testimony of your greatness and your faithfulness. Let others see in us a hope that does not waver, because our hope is anchored in you. 

Lord, for the joy set before you, you endured the cross, despising the shame, and are now seated at the right hand of the Father. If our Savior endured to the end, then by your grace, we can also endure.

Lord, we long for the day when every sorrow will be turned to joy, and when every trial will be behind us. We long for the day when the crown of life will be given, not because of our strength, but because of your mercy and grace that carried us through. Until then, Lord, help us to remain faithful. Help us to walk in love and in obedience.

Lord, with grateful hearts, we say thank you for hearing our prayer, for loving us beyond measure, and for promising us eternal life with you. 

In the precious name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.

Everyone. Keep on praying, keep on trusting God. Have a great day, and by God’s grace, we will pray again tomorrow. Bye-bye.