GROWING SEEDS: "Choose Hope"

This week marks the beginning of Chapter 60 in the Life of Liz.

And there's just something about being another year older that causes you to reflect back on Chapters 59 or 44 or 27 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 in the Year 2020....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 those Chapters of 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 around you; 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 before you know it, you're already at Chapter 60 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 this moment in your life.

"Character produces Hope....."

Romans 5:4

And this crazy wonderful wild Hope......well, it's the very Heart of Jesus.