Character Building
This is a reposting of a devotional I wrote for RefreshRemix. It’s been removed. I thought it would be great to share.
“Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.” – Melody Beattie
Has life ever thrown you flat on your butt? Had you throwing up your hands in despair?
I was raised in a single parent household and things were always tight. The budget was tight. Tempers ran short. I never had what my friends had. I had a curfew, my friends didn’t. My friends had new cars and I worked all summer to buy a little used Mazda.
I grumbled and complained. Why was my mother so difficult? I thought on many occasions. However, it wasn’t until I became a mother that I understood why it was so important for me to earn my way—to contribute and not just be. She was building character.
One day after experiencing a trying time with my children, God brought to mind my grumbling and complaining. He was gracious in highlighting that important moment. I immediately called my mother and thanked her.
Think back to one of your most trying situations. Was it an illness? Relationship woes? Lost your job? Maybe God, like my mother, is using your circumstances to mold you into the person He’s called you to be. Call Him, right now, in prayer and thank Him. Let your gratitude usher in the answers to prayers.
Scripture: “I thank and praise you, O God of my fathers: You have given me wisdom and power, you have made known to me what we asked of you…” Daniel 2:23 (NIV)
Question: What are you thankful for today?
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