I once prayed for God to allow me to grow in faith and character ...without having to go through trials. There didn't seem to be an outburst of laughter coming from the direction of heaven but I imagine that I provoked a few giggles. It's probably along the lines of asking for grass to grow without rain. Or sinks to be cleaned without Comet. Or wanting juice without squeezing the orange. Or driving in LA without traffic. Or eating beans without consequence.
He really seems to like this concept of perseverance. In "The Way Of The Wild Heart", John Eldredge said, "What is the context God most often uses to make a man a man indeed? Hardship." You might be tempted to groan at that point. But for me it's a relief to know that when things seem to be all wrong, it's really to make things all right.
Romans 5:2-5
"...And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope."
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2 comments:
Paul Paul Paul...you have grown into such a character. I mean, you are a character,, wait what I meant to say is that you.... never mind.
From one character to another....maybe we need body guards. Like at Disneyland, they have to protect the characters from getting beat up by the sweet, innocent children. Who would punch Pooh?
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