The Process of Gaining Godly Character

by | May 1, 2012

Romans 5:2-5   Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.  More than that we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

What is your response to trials or “sufferings”?  If we can learn to take our struggles and  sufferings straight to God instead of reacting we, according to these verses, will develop better endurance and character, as a result of that we won’t be embarrassed because we will respond out of God’s love which has been poured out on us.

I know I have struggled with this very thing especially as a single Mom for 14 years.  It just seemed a natural response when someone made me angry to feel like I had to “show them” – I was not going to be walked on and I was not going to be taken advantage of and I would storm around like a fool with an attitude of revenge. Instead of praying and asking God for His wisdom in the situation, I used to think I had to stand and show that I was strong enough to handle it.  The amazing thing is that attitude produces A character too, unfortunately not Godly character, just a character and very seldom is anything great accomplished.

Our Hope comes from God and sometimes that is in enduring our times of suffering.  Our faith and hope grow as we learn to trust Him in the Valleys of life.  Allow God to pour out His love on you today and pray for Godly wisdom in your circumstances.  With His wisdom He can calmly guide you through so you don’t lose your testimony in the process.  God loves you and wants to help you through your struggles.  He doesn’t want you to suffer alone, He wants to build your character, give you strength and hope through it all.

Quote:  “Anyone can hold the helm when the sea is calm.”  Publilius Syrus

1 Comment

  1. Michele

    This was exactly what I needed to hear today. I have had surgery on my foot and was only suppose to be off of work for 12 days. Well, it has been 6 weeks now and I am still not back at work. I have had a number of complications and a LOT to pain. Your words today showed me that I need to invite God in to be with me and to help build my character.
    Thank you so much.