reminder words: endurance, character, & hope.

today i keep repeating this verse, here are a few versions:

more than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.  

{ESV}

there is more to come: we continue to shout our praises even when we're hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. in alert expectancy such as this, we're never left feeling shortchanged. quite the contrary - we can't round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit! 

{The Message}

boy, did i need this reminder today. i am learning to cling to scripture this summer as i walk in this season of faith. some days are easier than others, but no one ever said that walking in faith is easy. no, quite the contrary, it is a slow and continual process of dying to myself, my fears, my doubts, and learning to trust, hope, and love my beautiful Saviour. 

i am thankful for this season, thankful for the troubles that are developing "passionate patience" in me, thankful for the ways i continue to be challenged to "stay alert" and "expectant" for what God is going to do. thankful for the ways He continues to shape my character even on days like today. 

so i continue to hope, somedays with great faith and somedays with faith the size of a mustard seed... 

i've also been listening to this song on repeat: 

God I look to you, I won’t be overwhelmed.

Give me vision, to see things like you do.

God I look to you, you’re where my help comes from.

Give me wisdom, you know just what to do. 

jesus, you are GOOD, always. help me to feel your peace and see your vision, help me to see things like you do. i'm looking for your goodness, trusting in your faithfulness, and hoping for your beautiful mysteries revealed.  i'm remembering to breathe, to live in these quiet moments, to find stillness in the midst of the unknown... thank you for walking with this little girl. thank you for leading me. thank you for loving me. i continue to follow where you lead. trusting. hoping. believing in your promises. jesus, i look to you... you know just what to do.