By Pastor Bob DeKlavon
On May 1—I spoke about the goal of tribulation from Romans 5:4.
Part of the process is “proven character.”
This means that someone has been tested and tried and their character is shown to be good.
On May 7—I wrote about the question: ‘what is said about you?’
I cited the Sons of Issachar and the Bereans and the Thessalonians.
All of the above were people who had proven character.
Today, {Thursday, May 21, 2020} I want to get personal related to proven character.
I am not going to name names but those who belong to Faith will know of whom I speak.
We have a group of men who have named themselves: “the over the hill gang.”
They are a group of retired men who are in their 60’s, 70’s and 80’s.
They have faithfully worked on projects at Faith for years.
Such was the case today.
I got to the church around 8 and several of them were already here.
From 8-2:30 they worked—no fanfare, no headlines, no great applause.
Just faithfully working and doing what was needed to be done today.
In the midst of the day—I received a need from someone who had car issues.
My standard line is: “when it comes to car issues—I can do a good funeral.”
I am NOT the guy to call when there are car issues.
However—I had 5 faithful men in the building who I knew would respond or could help.
Sure enough, without ‘blinking an eye’ one of them suggested one of their other members.
He wasn’t needed at church today, so I caught him at home.
As I shared the need, he immediately adjusted his plans with the intent of going to help.
As I thought about what to write today—I thought of these 6 men.
There are more who are part of the ‘group’ but I want to focus on them.
Today—they did not share the gospel with anyone or lead a Bible Study.
They did not lead worship or write profound spiritual lessons for anyone.
All they did was do what God gifted them to do.
And, in so doing, each of them showed the proven character of their lives.
Sometimes we think that we have to part Red Seas or have burning bush experiences with God.
Most times, God just asks us to live out our faith in obedience to the opportunities presented.
As we do so—we develop proven character that speaks volumes for our walk with the Lord.