character is proven

"therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have acccess by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. and not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us."-romans 5:1-5

this passage came to mind last night, and reading it again was a huge encouragement to me. my faith in Christ leads to peace. "for He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation" (ephesians 2:14). the curtain between me and God has been torn down by the shedding of Christ's blood, and now there is open communication between us, direct encouragement and guidance. i can always turn to God. i talked on the phone with kayla last night, and she said that our faith in God is directly connected to peace, and i think that's so true.

james 1:3-4 says that "the testing of your faith produces patience. but let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." here, the word 'perfect' is actually closer in definition to the word 'mature.' in order to grow and mature in wisdom and love and anything else Christlike, we have to go through difficult times. and in all honesty, we should be expecting it: "do not think it strange concerning the firey trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing is happening to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings" (1 peter 4:12-13).

trials are rough, like passing through fire. it burns, and it's not fun. but at the end of it all, we are more like Christ if we focus on Him and draw on His wisdom and strength. our character is proven through trials. if we focus on Christ and draw from His strength and wisdom, then we will prove our character to be that of someone after God's own heart. if we focus on our circumstances, then no maturing will occur, and sometimes we become even further away from Christ, proving that our character is immature and fearful. "for God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind" (2 timothy 1:7). this is what our character will be hopefully proven to be, and God will be glorified because of it.

and the best part: in the end, there is hope. hope in Christ's abounding and redeeming love. hope in His plans. hope in His authority. hope in His promises. hope in His peace.

"do not be afraid, for behold, i bring you good tidings of great joy" (luke 2:10). the message that God brings to us is one to be excited about. because His message is the Gospel, that Jesus has become a curse in place of all of our sins, and that we are redeemed by His blood to eternal life. "and this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent" (john 17:3). and that gospel truth, that eternal life, affects every aspect of my life. it can't be avoided.