Character--Living a Life Above our Circumstances

Character is what you are in the dark.--D.L. Moody.

It's been said, "If we sow a thought, we reap an act; when we sow an act, we reap a habit; when we sow a habit, we reap a character; and when we sow a character, we reap a destiny."

Today's word--Character!

If we want to live above our circumstances we must have Christlike character.

Our daily afflictions no matter how great, no matter how small, buffet our lives, testing us, shaping us, revealing who we truly are...If we live to gratify the flesh, from the flesh we will reap destruction, but when we sow to the spirit, from the spirit we will reap eternal life.

Honestly, can I just say, sometimes I get really weary. I question why trials never seem to end. I reflect on the character of WHO I KNOW GOD TO BE and wonder why HE chooses to not answer my prayers or move in situations...I KNOW HE IS ABLE TO...and wonder WHY??? exasperating myself, until I remember I'm not living for this life alone. My hope, my confidence, my assurance is in CHRIST ALONE! It's only when I remember my hope in Christ, I live above my situations and tower above my conditions.

Romans 5:1-5, "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. 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. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us."

To truly live above our circumstances requires Christ-like character. Christ-like character governs every decision, every action...Christ-like character isn't moved at loss, wearied by trials, or altered at devastation...Christ-like character focuses on God's purposes, intent on fulfilling God's mission, abandoned to His will.

As Christians, Christ alone must shape our choices not our circumstances. We must serve irregardless of the cost or the outcome. When God's character is made complete in us, we laugh at adverstiy, scoff at our enemies, and rest in the midst of storms, declaring as Paul did, in Philippians 4:11-13,"I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength." (NIV)

Dear Friend, we are NOT ALONE. God HIMSELF is with us. He will never abandon us. The trials and sufferings we experience will not crush us...the fire will not consume us...though fiery darts come our way they will not destroy us. God promises many are the afflictions of the righteous...BUT...THE LORD DELIVERS HIM FROM THEM ALL.

Trials simply shape us, remove impurities, providing an opportunity for us to press in closer to God, allowing Him the opportunity to deepen our knowledge of His love for us and produce His likeness in us.

Charles Swindoll wrote: "The world needs men who cannot be bought; whose word is their bond; who put character above wealth; who possess opinions and a will; who are larger than their vocations; who do not hesitate to take chances; who will not lose their individuality in a crowd; who will be as honest in small things as in great things; who will make no compromise with wrong; whose ambitions are not confined to their own selfish desires; who will not say they do it" because everybody else does it"; who are true to their friends through good report and evil report, in adversity as well as in prosperity; who do not believe that shrewdness, cunning, and hardheadedness are the best qualities for winning success; who are not ashamed or afraid to stand for the truth when it is unpopular; who can say "no" with emphasis, although all the rest of the world says "yes." (Charles Swindoll, Living Above the Level of Mediocrity, p.107-8, http://www.sermonillustrations.com/a-z/c/character.htm)

Let us, by the mercy of God's grace, determine to be such men and women...when we do...we reflect Christ's likeness and freely soar above life's circumstances.
 
PRAYER: Father, we need you desperately. Thank You Jesus, that You understand and have been tested in every way, understanding our weakness. Fill us with the POWER of YOUR HOLY SPIRIT. We put our hope in YOU! May our testimony bring You glory. Don't let us be put to shame. In Jesus name, amen!