We have a very cute puppy who got out the front door yesterday. When she is inside our cozy, little home, she listens beautifully. She dashed out while we were letting the cat in. For the next (felt like a hour) five minutes she ran and ran. We called and called. She finally decided she was ready to come in and trotted right in. Sat beautifully for her treat.
She showed us her need for training, she showed us evidence of our training up until now. Ha. She showed us her little heart. Her way is the best way. We are here to help her see the error of this little thinking process. I cannot allow her to ignore our calls to her, she does not understand what I do about roads, cars, coyotes, etc.
In Romans 5, I am continuing to study the first few verses.
”And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.“
Romans 5:3-5 NASB1995
https://bible.com/bible/100/rom.5.3-5.NASB1995
I bet you would agree with me when I say, I don’t like tribulations or hardships. If I am looking at a path where one way is bright and sunny and the other is uphill, rocky and dark. We both know which way I would pick. God, on the other hand, sees my entire picture. He knows so much more than I do.
So today perseverance, endurance (yesterday’s post) reminds me that although these trials in my life feel like a slog (what a great word), there is a greater purpose here. This doesn’t make the pain resolve, rather it takes my thoughts captive. One way is a runaway train full of fear, the other stays on the tracks slowly moving forward.
”I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. Nevertheless, you have done well to share with me in my affliction.“
Philippians 4:12-14 NASB1995
And sometimes,that is waking up in the morning and putting clothes on. Making a cup of coffee and opening the word of God. One step at a time.
Proven character, look, I know what it means, but in this setting of Romans 5, so many words. I want to take my time and understand. Here is Vine’s dictionary’s definition:
Experience (Without), Experiment:
means
(a) “the process of proving;” it is rendered “experiment” in 2Cr 9:13, AV, RV, “the proving (of you);” in 2Cr 8:2, AV, “trial,” RV, “proof;”
(b) “the effect of proving, approval, approvedness,” RV, “probation,” Rom 5:4 (twice), for AV, “experience;” AV and RV, “proof” in 2Cr 2:9; 13:3; Phl 2:22.
See EXPERIENCE, PROOF. Cp. dokimos, “approved,” dokimazo, “to prove, approve;” see APPROVE.
The effect of trust in our lives, yes? We all know that either we are in tribulations, just coming out of a season of suffering or entering a time. A phone call that changes everything. A diagnosis. In the middle of the night when thoughts and feelings assail us, how do we take our mind captive to the things of Christ?
This is where, the middle of the night, knowing God’s word. Repeating it aloud. Listening to His word counsels us through the night watches.
”When I remember You on my bed, I meditate on You in the night watches, For You have been my help, And in the shadow of Your wings I sing for joy. My soul clings to You; Your right hand upholds me.“
Psalms 63:6-8 NASB1995
In doing so we endure, we persevere and our character does change. Small steps towards holding God’s word, repeating it over and over to ourselves and to others. Our character is shaped.
Proven character.
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