Peirasmos: A Path to the Crown

Peirasmos: A Path to the Crown

By Joel B.

1 Peter 4:12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

You may be asking yourself as to what “peirasmos” means. Peirasmos, in the sense that I am using it, is the Greek word for a trial that Christians go through for refining their faith. We’ve seen it happen many times throughout the Holy Bible. For instance the trial in the garden with Adam and Eve or the testing of the apostles’ faith while they were stuck in prison. Even Christ went through a peirasmos when he was tempted by Satan in the wilderness. Christ won his peirasmos by continually stating, “It is written…”

Many Christians are still challenged today with a peirasmos in their life. Instead of hitting it head on with joy, many fuss and complain about it. You’re missing the mark! Let me show you why…

James 1:2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;

James 1:12 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.

Did you catch it? Yes! You endure the peirasmos and overcome it because the Lord is looking to reward you with the crown of life He just wants to refine you first. He’s also not telling you to go at it alone. He is with you through it the whole time because He loves you.

Friends, life would be extremely boring without trials, tests, and challenges. We serve a God who provides us with interesting variety, and never gives us more than we are capable of handling. He also runs every race with us when we choose to include Him. So lets find joy in every peirasmos that comes our way. Lets hit them head on with joy and with readiness to receive that crown of life that God promises to those that love Him. Thank you for reading and God bless.