Character
by Tanya Person
A preacher recently said, "Our character is formed through lots of little moments and then revealed in a big moment.” I had to stop and think about this. What is it that forms our character? It is all the various life experiences we have. When a big trial comes into our lives and we are under pressure, we see what character we really have.
One quote I`ve seen making the rounds online says, "The same boiling water that softens the potato, hardens the egg. It`s about what you`re made of, not the circumstances." Are we allowing God to make us who he wants us to be so that when the trials come, which they always do, we will be soft and pliable to what God wants for our lives? Or will we allow ourselves to become hard and bitter? Many situations occur in our lives that are not always the best. When they happen, are we constantly trying to get out from under them or are we making the choice to walk through them? Are we willing to embrace them, enduring through the discomfort, to allow God to work His character in us?
Suffering comes in all different forms and each of us goes through times of suffering, even if it is something that another person may think would not be considered suffering. Our attitudes as we go through the suffering determine whether the trial will produce endurance and character. If we allow God to develop endurance and character, then we will have hope in the plans that God has for us. Hope in its fullest form produces faith-filled people, able to do whatever the Lord asks.
Prayer: Lord, please help me to surrender to Your moulding in my life. Give me endurance and shape my character so that I can become the person You want me to be. Amen.
Tanya Person Tanya and her husband, Jim, were missionaries to Hungary for over 18 years. They have worked with Ellel since 2005. After serving in various positions with Ellel in Central and Eastern Europe, God led them back to the United States, where they are now serving with the Ellel USA team. They have a passion to see leaders restored, the church discipled and walking in God’s fullness of life and freedom, and for mentoring the existing and developing team. Tanya also enjoys crocheting and knitting in her free time and has written some children’s picture books.
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