HOPE 
lizetheridge
This next week marks the beginning of Chapter 61 in the Life of Liz.
And there's just something about being another year older that causes you to reflect back on Chapters 56 or 40 or 20 in your life. Don't get me wrong....I'm looking forward as much as I'm reflecting backwards, but when you look back on spent chapters in your life, you are able to see with clarity....20-20 vision....the pouring out of Grace into your very soul. You remember the Sufferings.....but you also see the ripples from your Endurance muscles increasing because of the suffering.
"Suffering Produces Endurance....." (Romans 5:3)
And because your endurance muscles are more toned and strong now, your character starts changing. You start caring more for others than you do for yourself. Your heart starts breaking for the things that breaks God's heart. Those fancy clothes or expensive vacations you once treated yourself to for years, well.....they become less important as your character changes. Your focus changes to those who are suffering, just as you once did, and you long to help them....instead of yourself. You start to take on the character of God.....
"Endurance Produces Character....." (Romans 5:4)
And suddenly, you get to Chapter 61 or 75 or 90, and you find this chapter is full of Hope. Hope....because God's love has poured continuously into your heart through the Suffering....through the Endurance....and now through the gift of Hope of the Holy Spirit. You see the common thread of God's finger in your life that has gotten you to where you are.
"Character Produces Hope....." (Romans 5:4)
And this crazy wonderful wild Hope......well, it's the very Heart of Jesus.
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