Character Produces Hope

DAY THIRTY EIGHT: Friday, November 21, 2008

Read Romans 5

And patience produces character, and character produces hope. Romans 5:4 (NCV)


As we near the end of this 40-day journey of hope, have you noticed that your hope has been put to the test?

The Greek word translated "character" in Romans 5 has to do with the process of "proving."

As a kid I grew up near Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland. At the time it was the largest army ordnance center in the world. They would "test" the military's big guns by firing them out over the Chesapeake Bay. Our house would often shake and the windows would rattle during the process. But this was how they "proved" whether or not the weapons were effective.

Likewise, "testing" proves our character.

Because this past month or so has been an intense time of emphasizing hope you have probably gone through some tests to see whether or not you would have an attitude of hope, or if you would give in to despair.

The intent of our journey has been for you to grow in hope. But don't worry if you have failed some tests. We all do. God is gracious enough to allow us to learn from our mistakes.

Action Step for Today: Ask God to forgive you for allowing any despair to overtake you instead of hope. Name the specific times to Him that you've failed, but thank Him that He won't disown you for them.