Character

Some truths in God's Word are clear and straight forward. Some require study, prayer and time before we can understand them. They are revealed only to the true disciple, the dedicated student of the Bible. Because they are "spiritually understood," it requires time, as the Holy Spirit teaches and grows us that we might understand. (1 Cor. 2:14)

When the Psalmist said, "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me," (Psalm 51:10, NIV) he saw hope in the midst of his need, but also realized the "process" required to accomplish it. He knew that the process began with an honest plea to God. He knew that his character could only be changed by God Himself.

What does God use to change our character? The Greek definition for "character" is "a specimen of tried worth." Making it personal in the spiritual sense, it refers to someone who has been tested by God and has passed the tests. That doesn't mean we haven't had failure, but it means that we have learned from our failures. In fact, God's greatest "giants" of the faith have included many of the biggest "failures" known to the world, before God brought about a great character change.

God's Word also reveals that our "character" has a lot to do with God hearing and answering our prayer. We must be careful and not confuse character and lack of failure in life. Remember, some of God's greatest warriors of the faith are those who have failed miserably in their lives. The Godly character that eventually developed was a result of the individual giving themselves to God, allowing His Spirit to do His miraculous work. And some who seemingly have exemplary lives have weak character, unable to understand the deeper things of God.

The character we need to be prayer warriors, and powerful workers for God is a result of His work in us. That means we are all eligible for such a relationship with Him. And He is eager to perform His work in us. Then we can understand and experience more of the deeper things of God's Word.

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When I Fail

I read a devotional today by David Wilkerson. It reminded me of myself sometimes. He spoke of Adam's sin, and how he tried to hide from God. He also pointed out the truth that something much worse than failure is the fear that goes with it.

I thought of my many failures in the past and how, even though He holds us responsible to face their consequences, God always receives us with love and open arms. He doesn't get "mad" at us. Because of what Jesus did for us, and if we follow Him, we don't have to fear God. We can immediately come to Him and tell a Father who will receive us with more love than we can comprehend.

It also gives me hope for the future. As I follow God through Christ, I can know that He will help me as I face the consequences of my failure. Even then as I acknowledge Him, He will "direct my paths."

The path God has for us always leads us to and in Christ. To find His abundant life, we must follow His lead. Satan is a liar and wants us to believe there is no hope. But there is every hope in Jesus. That fact that you are reading this is evidence that God is reaching out to you. The Bible says we can't even consider God with the Holy Spirit calling us. (John 6:44)

Imagine a life of peace and abundance in the midst of the troubles of life. We are more than conquerors in Christ. "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28, NIV)

Have you failed? I know I have, many times. It doesn't matter how bad. No matter where you have failed, you are not out of God's reach and help. Don't fear Him and His guidance.

When I fail, I trust it to God.

Romans 8:35, 37-39 (NIV): Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

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