James 1:12
Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.

What you’re going through right now is a test. You may not realize it. There may not be the smell of No. 2 pencils sharpening, or students nervously looking down at their desks, but it’s a test. Not only are we all in the middle of a test, this is the test of a lifetime. 

If we keep living our old lives without redefining what our perception of what tests look like and what it means to pass the test, we’re in big trouble. And redefining our idea of tests allows us to enjoy the benefit of having passed the test.

This verse in James promises a crown once the test is passed and endured. I don’t know about you, but a crown sounds pretty nice to me. One of the things I love about that verse is that it makes no mention of earthly influence, charisma, or talent as a means of making the test easier. As a matter of fact, when you get to heaven, if you’ve already passed the test, there will be people that did have a lot of influence, charisma, and talent in their lives, but they won’t have the crown. But you will. You’ll have the crown because instead of focusing your efforts and striving and trying to be the best you can be, you will instead rely on Jesus in everything you face and you will turn to God in everything you do. The test is a measure of reliance on Jesus. So, will you pass the test?