Reflecting the Character of Christ: How to Embody His Qualities in Our Daily Lives

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

The Christian character is formed within us as God allows the process and difficulties in our lives and we will enable Him to deliver and heal us.

I remember the words of someone I respect as a sister in Christ. When I was complaining incessantly about my partner (who is dead now), I was in agony wanting him to change. I asked her and all the Christians I met for prayer. I would talk to people and tell them my situation. So I used to tell this lady the whole story, what he was doing to me and how he treated me, and everything else. This sister in Christ, I guess, was tired of hearing the same thing and one day she suggested to me: “Joselyn, why don’t you use everything that is happening between you and your husband, all your troubles as stepping stones to rise higher and grow more in God?” I never understood what this dear sister told me then, but now I know. The situations that happen to us can be due to many reasons, such as our choices, rebellions, lack of faith, lack of yielding, lack of knowledge, fears, or so many other things, but when we belong to God, and we go through an inner process, it forms His character in us. The afflictions when we take them to the Cross and die to ourselves, bring us closer to Christ and transform our lives.

The adverse circumstances and the struggles when we are in Christ should bring us closer to Him and God. Most of the time it takes time until we yield. We repeat the same thing until we learn. Later, I also remembered the words of someone else close to me: “Joselyn, I have been praying and fasting for you, and the Lord wants you to die.” I understood the message. Dying to self. Our carnal nature, ego and mindset, get us into many problems, but the Lord wants us to live through the Spirit and in the Spirit rooted in His Word. In my case, despite everything, I insisted that my partner go to church with me. I focused on changing him and helping him become a good Christian. But I do not remember asking for me to change. Now I understand that I am the one who needs to change and that surrendering in obedience to the Lord gives me life, strength and hope. Our flesh must die daily. More of Him and less of us, if we do not let the Holy Spirit work in us, we will be miserable, we lack peace and His joy will not be in us. Thank Jesus for His love, grace and mercy every day but I have to receive it and walk in it, rest in Him and give day by day everything that steals from me, hurts me, or hurts others. He loves us and yielding to Him is gain and blessing.

If you are going through difficult circumstances, rejoice, put everything in His hands, surrender everything and trust. On the other side of the tunnel is the light and victory. Take courage. Do not fear, for I am with you, says the Lord. Isaiah 41:10

Pray with me:

Lord, I need you and I love you. Forgive all my carnalities. Here I am, I give up everything, allow me to decrease so that you can grow in me, I cannot and do not know how to do it alone, help me and thank you for your Holy Spirit that guides me to all truth. In the name of Jesus, amen.

Taken from my book

My story: Redeemed: I am not longer a Victim but more than a conquer

Coming soon in Spanish and English in a bit God willing.