For the past fifteen years I have been on a transformational journey. Becoming a woman after God’s own heart— a jewel of incomparable worth.
In my quest to become this person, Proverbs 31:10-31 has been an invaluable source. Teaching me how to live a life of excellence. So both my character and actions honor the Lord.
Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines character as the way someone thinks, feels, and behaves— someone’s personality.
Noah Webster defined character as the peculiar qualities impressed by nature or habit on a person. Which distinguish him from others. These constitute real character. Hence we say a character is not formed when the person has not acquired stable and distinctive qualities.
So how many individuals do you know that have character? Not a mini-me of someone else? Authentic? The same regardless of circumstances or surroundings?
I am betting not many!
Why is this?
Character like other noble attributes does not happen by osmosis. It is a process. Requiring time, sacrifice and hard work. Something a Proverbs 31:16-18 woman (man as well) willingly embraces.
She wraps herself in strength, carries herself with confidence, and works hard. Strengthening her arms for the task at hand. She tastes success and knows it is good, and under lamplight she works deep into the night.
Would you like strength? Confidence? Success?
Then anything and everything that can cause you to stumble and fail has to be eradicated.
This is why the Lord has given us this promise. Yet once more I will shake and make tremble not only the earth but also the starry heavens.
Now this expression— yet once more indicates the final removal and transformation of all that can be shaken. In order that what cannot be shaken may remain and continue.
This shaking is for your own good. Exposing weaknesses you have minimized or erroneously perceived as strengths.
How does the Lord expose these weaknesses? The Lord disciplines you.
Many believers fear or resist the Lord’s discipline. Foolishly believing that once you have made Jesus the Lord of your life you are home free.
As a follower of Christ, YOU WILL encounter trouble. Jesus made this perfectly clear.
I have told you these things. So that in Me you may have perfect peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration.
But be of good cheer! Take courage! Be confident! Certain! Undaunted! For I have overcome the world. I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.
The Lord knows you will not survive this battle for your soul with a Pollyanna attitude. Passively sitting around the campfire. Holding hands and singing Kumbaya only makes you an easier target for the devil.
The Lord will give you wings to fly high above the circumstances of life, but you must first embrace His discipline. He alone can teach you the skills that will keep you safe even amidst life threatening turbulence.
Allow God’s discipline to reveal and remove unrighteous paradigms, behaviors and emotions.
What will be your reward?
- spiritual maturity
- a formidable foe of satan
- unconditional obedience and faithfulness
- automatic repentance
Embrace the Lord’s discipline. Learn how to douse the fires of hell here on earth.
In the process an unquenchable thirst for a life that honors the Lord will shape your character. Stability and distinction— a VOICE in the deafening sound of sameness will be yours. One the powers of darkness will never quench.
Be a VOICE in the deafening sound of sameness!
letsloveothers 