Character

I'm reading a book called The Blueprint by Kirk Franklin and it is really openning mine eyes to alot of things.  You know its one of those things that has been going on in my head all the time and I think i subcounsciously knew, but now its being brought to life.  He did a section on Character.  He defines character as: "That thing that makes your eyes glow and causes people to wonder why little things don't drive you crazy."

How do you gain character?  By being tested, twisted and pulled.  The more trials you go through and survive the more you grow in faith because you realize that you can't make it without the Lord and He just keeps on keeping on pulling you out of those impossible situations.  That's why elders are as easily shaken as we youngins.  They've been through worse, they've had those sleepless nights, they've had those days where they didn't realize how they were going to feed their family.  I love it when he said:

"That's why every difficult situation, every storm in life that comes your way, has to be viewed with an eye on the truth that God allows hard times in our lives to build and devlop our character; therefore, you can't run away from every trial that comes.  Because if you do, you won't grow."

Wow, I guess Romans 8:28 is as true as it comes.  People complain (and I'm included) about how they want God to intervene in their lives and make it better.  When in actuallilty, we NEED these trials in order to become more godly men and women.  Building character is like lifting weights or training.  If you keep on doing the same amount every time you will reach a peak and never get stronger.  But keep on adding trusting that God is your "spotter" and he won't let you die.  Trust...oh such an hard thing.

So, I challenge you to accept these challenges to build your character.  I challenge myself to accept these challenges.  As much as I moan and complain, when it all comes down to it, all these things are happening to make me a better man of God.  For that my friends, it's worth it.