Brick by Brick

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Brick by painstaking brick . . . that is how a brick building is built.  With great care and precision, following the exact design of the architect, the mason lays each brick, one at a time, to form the interlocking strength of the wall.

Character is built like that.
     Experience by experience,
     trial by trial,
     triumph by triumph,
     challenge met by challenge met!

Our strength of character is built one brick at a time, under the skilled handiwork of an Artist Builder.  He is both Architect and Bricklayer, Designer and Laborer, Owner . . . and Resident . . . and Cornerstone of the character edifice He builds in us.  He is a Master Craftsman who takes great joy in creating lasting beauty out of mere bricks and mortar, the stuff of this earth-y life.  His is a labor of love, and He has chosen us to be His life's work, His monument, His glory.

I write of the God in Whose image we exist . . .
              the God who wore our skin . . .
              the God who won our freedom . . .
              the God who wants our hearts.

Like character, faith grows a little at a time too.
     Red Sea by Red Sea,
     Fiery furnace by fiery furnace,
     Impossible victory by impossible victory,
     Miracle by miracle.

With each successive escape through deep water on dry ground, or coming through the fire unharmed, our faith expands and becomes increasingly convinced of God's very real love and mercy toward us, not to mention His almighty protection and all-sufficient provision.

Character and faith are being built through all kinds of experiences, good and bad, right now.  All over this country and throughout the world, people are going through times that challenge and change them, sometimes in very difficult ways.  Maybe your character-bricks look like lost jobs and uncertain futures, sick loved ones or broken relationships.  Maybe your faith-bricks are paid bills and healed children, restored marriages and soldiers returning safe.

If you are among those people experiencing the unpredictable mix of trial and testing, waiting expectantly for your victorious miracles, don't worry!  Just know that bricks are being laid and Red Seas are opening as God takes the things life throws at you and builds your character and faith.  Be encouraged!!

"Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial,
because when he has stood the test,
he will receive the crown of life
that God has promised to those who love him."
James 1:12 NIV

How is God building your character?
How do you see your faith growing?

  Delighted to be joining Bonnie Gray for her Thursday Faith Jam!