The foundation of a strong life is built on our faith and hope in Jesus Christ who walks with us in our suffering. As we have noted previously, we are able to rejoice in our suffering and that our suffering produces endurance in our lives. As we endure the suffering, we are growing in our relationship with Christ as we lean more fervently into our reality of His presence and power. As we grow in our relationship with Christ, we recognize the transformation changes us at the level of our character.
There is a tendency in our world today to be cynical, angry, and too focused on problems. This focus on problems can send us on a spiral where we become less community minded and more abrasive. We swim and begin to drown in the “woe is me” mentality. People begin to note the adverse changes in our character, as we fall further into the negativity trap. Yet we see in Romans 5:4a, “and endurance produces character.”
We do not have to fall into the trap of becoming focused on our problems. When we rejoice in our suffering, which brings endurance into our lives, we experience the transformation of our character as the Holy Spirit works in us to change our perspective and the way we face each day. The people around us note the changes.
Being involved in retreat and camp ministries since I was a child, I have heard several stories of people whose lives were changed through the Holy Spirit’s work in them and the people around them have noted the change in their character. They have become more consistent in the way they live and trustworthy in their promises. The growth begins in the facing of the suffering, and the trust to know the Lord is with them. Whether it is facing cancer, depression, results of one’s sin, or job loss—the desire to not focus on the problem but on the one who brings growth in the struggle, changes the person. The character is developed and grown.
How is your relationship with Jesus growing your character? How are you becoming more dependable, steady, and determined in your daily life?
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the transformation and growth you work in me each day as I walk with you in all situations of life. I want my character to be more like you, Jesus. Continue your work in me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.