Man’s greatest opportunity is to tap into God’s capacity. That capacity flows from the Spirit of God, the Holy Spirit indwelling believers. Since the Holy Spirit reflects the character of God, and God will not be mocked, cultivating the character of God is the way to be trusted by God. Our character model is the Son of God, Messiah Jesus Christ.
RELEVANCE
If you don’t have hope, you have nothing to live for. Our greatest source of hope is seeing God’s power manifested in real and relevant ways. God guarantees we will experience His glory if we persevere and allow Him to cultivate the kind of character that flows from His nature.
“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 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 5:1-5).
What a thought—we have open access to God’s amazing grace. What does that mean? Just forgiveness for sins? Much more! Look at what Isaiah reveals about the attributes of the Holy Spirit. That’s just for starters!
“The Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon Him,
The Spirit of wisdom and understanding,
The Spirit of counsel and might,
The Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD.”
(Isaiah 11:2)
In 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 Paul lists a whole suite of grace gifts and manifestations of the Holy Spirit. So what stops God from pouring out His gifts in a free-flowing manner? FAITH and CHARACTER. He looks for us to cultivate His character so we will reflect and express His character and nature through His gifts that He be glorified. We live in a hostile and corrupt world, but it certainly behooves the believer to grow in faith and pursue Christ-like character.
REFLECT AND RELATE
Focus on the richness of God’s grace. See His abundant grace greater than your trials.
Why do you think it’s so easy to lose hope during trials of life?
How do you think you can increase your measure of faith?
REFERENCES
2 Timothy 1:7; 1 Corinthians 12:4-11; Ephesians 1:7-14