By: Naomie Deborah Tilahun

Hello, everyone! My name is Naomie Deborah Tilahun, and I'm delighted to share with you today. My hope is that as you read, you'll uncover nuggets of wisdom that may enrich or enhance your everyday life as a believer in the Lord, Jesus Christ.

Today, I want to ponder upon Romans 5:3-5, which points out that "suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope." If we're honest, suffering isn't something we enthusiastically embrace. Yet, through scripture, I've become well informed that suffering can be one of the most compelling catalysts for maturing our character.

What is character?

Character comprises of the attributes, essence, and personality qualities that shape who we are. Without a strong character, we can flounder in the face of trials. It is our character that empowers us to take a strong stance in our convictions and inevitably brings glory to God. A person of character remains single-minded and firm even when challenges arise.

Consider the life of Queen Esther - an extraordinary example of character in action. Faced with the probable genocide of her people, she presented preposterous courage, willing to risk her life by approaching the king uninvited. In Esther 4:16, she famously and admirably said, "If I perish, I perish."

Here was a woman under colossal stress, carrying the concern of her people on her shoulders. Yet, instead of crumbling, she maneuvered her circumstances with wisdom and strength, conclusively saving her life and the lives of many others. Her character was processed through suffering.

Embracing Suffering

So, the next time you find yourself in a season of suffering, consider it a favorable circumstance for growth. Your challenges are shaping your character, qualifying you to stand firm and bring glory to God. This, my friends, is the wisdom that my own experiences have shown me. I hope this lesson helps you on your journey.

I appreciate you joining me on this new adventure. I eagerly look forward to sharing more with you in the days to come!