"Building Character"

Reflections4Life™ June 23, 2019

“Building Character”

“Not only that, but 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.” Romans 5:3-5

Scripture Contemplation: Job 1; Psalm 15; John 8; Romans 5; Hebrews 6

We may often ask ourselves, or God; what is the purpose for all that we are going through? Why, Father, are some bombarded with so many trials, while others seem to go through life, with nothing ever phasing them? This is the point where I usually stop myself, if God has not already, and remind myself that comparison is the thief of joy. That, all things are indeed working for the good, if I have been diligently walking in the Lord, and maintaining faith. Every trial, every shaking-my-faith moment, are all meant to build character. Character, that is immovable, above reproach, and able to withstand an overabundance of the manifestations of God’s blessings in my life, because, they [His blessings] are just that awesome.

I decree that this week’s Reflections are continued encouragement and inspiration for your heart mind and soul. Beloved, whatever trials you may be currently facing; however difficult and heart wrenching they are—know that God will see you through, as He is building and strengthening your character. He is fortifying you, through these fires, to prepare for the bounty of blessings He is manifesting in your life. So, thank Him and keep pushing through.

Romans 5:3-5 (MSG) There’s more to come: We continue to shout our praise even when we’re hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience, in turn, forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we’re never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary—we can’t round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit!

I absolutely believe that there is nothing that you cannot accomplish once you put your heart and mind to it. I believe that every hardship we encounter is an opportunity to build our character if we do not run from its lessons.

Let's face it; we all know that life can be quite difficult and throw us some curve balls we were not expecting. Either we can choose to learn from the lessons and grow as a person and in our character, or we can run from its lessons and never take the time to build one's character that will benefit us in life. 

We will not always like or be content with the things that we encounter in life. It has its vicissitudes. However, everything—the good and the bad—are all lessons waiting for us to learn and grow from. Yet, it is the hardships that build the strongest character when we yield to the lessons being taught. 

God is not making mistakes. Nor has He made a mistake in choosing or calling us. Neither is He making a mistake when He allows certain tests and trials to enter our lives because He knows what lies ahead of us. He sees the road before us. He sees every bump, roadblock, stumbling block, and He also sees every victory, every milestone, every conquered path, and the manifest blessings He has earmarked just for us. He knows, what many of us do not see or understand, that it will take a certain strength, fortitude, and character to embrace and carry the manifestations of His blessings ordained for our lives.

I like to think of it as boot camp. A soldier, in actual preparation, for what may come their way during their military career, is prepared for almost every kind of scenario. They are trained, put through rigorous and strategic obstacles to hone in them the character of the optimum soldier. Some make it. Some do not. Everyone learns something. Some build the character that they need to be a soldier, while others build a character that lets them know they are not soldiers but would better serve as a civilian; utilizing their skills on the outside.

Do not run from hardships, Beloved. Stay and learn the lessons needed to build your character that will benefit you throughout your life. Stand strong and do not waiver. You will never regret it.

My Beloveds, I decree that the spirit of peace and of prosperity has found permanent rest in your lives. I decree that every good thing that God has ordained for your life will become evident to you. Yield to Holy Spirit; even through every trial and unforeseen hardship. Remembering that God has you covered and has already given you the victory to go through, preparing you for the abundance of the blessings He has ordained for your life. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing.

©2019. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.