Reflecting God’s Character
Everyone goes through trials. Whenever I get my share, my tendency is to assess the situation, sort through the best possible options to resolve it, then “give it to God” to choose from any of my recommended solutions. Almost without fail, I find myself disappointed … not at God, but at myself for thinking I can help Him do His job. I am quickly reminded that going through trials is not an indication of God’s absence from my situation; it’s a decision-point to focus on His promise instead of my problem … an opportunity for me to embrace the goodness of God and reflect His character.
It is foolish to think that God’s blessings only exist in our positive experiences. Paul writes in Romans 5:3-4, that “… we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope”. What an awesome reminder that God is with me despite my circumstances: in my sufferings so He can strengthen me to persevere; through my perseverance to build my character; within my character to reflect His as I cling on to His hope … that confident expectation that His promises are true.
My family is going through a trial right now, living apart for a time as we take care of Chrissy’s aging parents. It’s a decision we prayed over before putting into action so the challenges we’re currently facing are expected. Yet, we cannot avoid requesting God to make our situation better. Doubts sometimes creep in causing us to question if what we’re doing is the right decision, as if an immediate positive outcome is the true indicator of being in God’s will. How foolish to think our previous prayers that led to our current decision fell on deaf ears. Instead of waiting on God, we’re rushing Him through it … overshadowing the fact that God is still using us: Chrissy is ministering to her parents and I am ministering to the young adults at Choice. I guess God knows what He’s doing 😊. It has been said that God is seldom early, but He is never late, so I might as well let Him do His job while I do mine. God’s timing will not be dictated by my clock. His timing will not be written on my calendar. His timing will be reflected in my character, and I am good with that.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, “in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” It’s difficult to give thanks in difficult circumstances, yet we are commanded to do so. “Thank you” in Spanish is gracias; in French, it is merci; in Tagalog, it is salamat (rooted from Shalom, meaning peace). It is when we are thankful “in everything” that we experience God’s grace, mercy, and peace in the midst of trials. And the main ingredient in being thankful is expressing the goodness of God. I heard recently that when we express the goodness of God to God, it’s called worship; when we express the goodness of God to others, it’s called a testimony; when we express the goodness of God to non-believers, it’s called witnessing. This means we have one job: to express the goodness of God, regardless the circumstance, regardless the audience. That is how we reflect God’s character.
Ruben Fister
