Character
Hi friends! I sure am enjoying the transition of the seasons. Here in Ohio summer has quickly transitioned into fall. In fact, last week I got out all my pumpkin decorations. I made the family pumpkin pancakes and have eaten several caramel apples.
I love sitting outside during this season. The weather is not so hot that you’re sweating, but not too cold either. It is a very peaceful place for me. I have some wind chimes that dear friends have bought for me and I listen to those make music as the trees blow. We all need moments like this.
It seems lately that the Lord has been drawing me close through trials the last several months. It’s this peaceful war inside my soul. I can see the Holy Spirit pouring out his grace upon me as he walks with me helping me work through my battles.
Romans 5: 1-5 has really been comforting to me. “Therefore, since we have been justified with God through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
I think that part of what is comforting from this passage to me is that my suffering or trials are not without a reason. The reason is to grow my character, to cultivate in me a deeper hope and faith so that I can walk closer to the Lord. This makes the unbearable things bearable. It takes the focus off of my feelings and changes my focus to him. When our focus changes, how effective we can be can also change. What once seemed daunting might be fun.
Friends, whatever the trial there is nothing God can’t get you out of and there is nothing he will not use to bring hope to whomever is willing to turn from their flesh and follow him.
Heavenly Father, thank you for your gentleness. Lord, your mercies are new every morning. We are so grateful. Help us to grow in our faithfulness and character. Guide us and make our paths clear. You are not a God of confusion. In Jesus name, Amen.