Building Character and Faith

Thoughts and understandings are ever changing. Life is never in the same state. Yesterday, today and tomorrow can become opposites. From such perspective springs both the good and the bad; brighter future is a promise yet trials are also guaranteed.

To become like Christ, we must suffer like Christ. To find greater joy, love and hope, we will have to be placed in positions where these fruits are hard to obtain. To make the impossible possible, we are put in situations that are deemed impossible for miracles to appear before our eyes. To gain compassion and respect for others, we are struck with misfortunes so that we may become relatable people.

Never be ashamed or disheartened by the happenings around us, for they build on our characters to become the people that God desires us to be. And it is only then can we truly experience what it means to be the people of God, to abide in Christ, and the only way to show that our faith does not depend on the mere physical. If we choose to walk away simply because something did not work in our favour, then who are we to call ourselves? We are much more than babies begging for things to happen in our lives!

Remember the story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in Daniel 3?

Let us not forget what they said to counter the words of the King, especially those words in Daniel 3:18 (NIV),

“But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”

In the midst of fiery flames and on the verge of death, they held onto their faith that even if they were not rescued, they would choose no other gods than the God they serve. As much as we pray that chaos and trouble would keep a distance from us, they are inevitable circumstances of life in this broken world. However, these encounters are opportunities for us to learn perseverance and grow in faith, especially when nothing happens the way we desire.

The good news is: whatever decides to unfold in our lives, He knows what He is doing.

If our faith is challenged, we need not waver or become angry, for God has not changed. If doubts are put in our heads, we need not take heed, for God has not changed. If someone wants to argue with you, let that person share his/her opinions, for whatever said cannot change who God is. Instead of confining God in a box, remember He is someone that we can never grasp or fully understand with our little brains. Whatever we make of Him is only a small part of a spectrum. Though it might be controversial to make this statement but God is bigger than the Bible; in fact, God is beyond the Bible. He is so big that He desires to be in us, with us and us in him, so that we can experience Him daily and be part of Act 5 of His story and mission.

As Christians, know that we are the Church. Wherever we go, we bring Christ with us. It is not within the walls of a building that we can impact and influence people. There is a whole world out there that God has placed us in. We are to embody love and be beacons. God deliberately separated people from the very beginning (giving people different languages etc.) so that people would go out, spread over the world and build a kingdom that is His, not of human endeavours.

Our experiences of trials and tribulations serve as testimonies of God. We don’t necessary have to use words to express our faith; our actions and behaviours will speak louder.

No one is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. Be glad that life has its storms and calm waters, and be proud of the experiences we have through them, for they prepare and shape us for the greater mission of God.

Therefore, love more and embrace life – you never know what might happen next!