It’s in those mundane seasons - where things are slow and maybe often don’t seem to be going as planned - that expectations crumble before our feet, and misplaced hope is abolished. Be encouraged that character is revealed truly in these trying times. Character that must be pruned and strengthened. As children of a holy Father we often forget the purposeful work of patience within sovereignty. If we can trust that He is in control, then He is not surprised by the circumstances that surround us. We can trust that He is molding us into the image of His Son. So as we bask in these very truths may we reflect: “who are we when no one is looking?” Are we two different people? How do we treat our spouse? Our children? Because the most unimpressive moments reveal areas of needed change that doesn’t come through a self help book. Heart change is a matter of spending time with one who has the power to change. May we rest in that testing of our faith - looking onto Jesus for Jesus and allowing those trying seasons to break us and build us.
And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance,character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Romans 5:3-5
As in water face reflects face,
So a man’s heart reveals the man. Proverbs 27:19
“Whenever God means to make a man great, he always breaks him in pieces first.” - Charles Spurgeon
That first line gets me: "In those mundane seasons...expectations crumble before our feet, and misplaced hope is abolished" and the Spurgeon quote at the end. You can't see how good God is until you realize how bad you are, and that comes with being broken by Him. Thank you for faithfully serving the Lord brother!🙌