Our Shepherd leads us into fertile pastures of righteousness, producing a clearer image of Christ in our lives. We can eat of His supply as we choose to obey. Many times, the spiritual assignments the Shepherd leads us into stretch our souls, but the harvest is beautiful to the Father, who longs for us to become holy like Jesus. He is holy, and we are being transformed into His holy image one obedient step at a time.
Salvation is eternal, and as we follow, we begin learning how to walk by the Spirit in the eternal righteous steps of Christ. If we are going to be good stewards of this precious treasure of the Spirit, we will need to take steps to leave behind fear, comfort, and self-protecting efforts. Trusting God and allowing him to equip us will be essential for our growth.
Yet, what a blessing to know our obedience and even our suffering will produce good things within us that please our Lord. “We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation” (Romans 5:3-4). Through the power of Christ, let’s produce the fruit of His character today.
Hebrews 13:20-21 NLT
20
Now may the God of peace—
who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus,
the great Shepherd of the sheep,
and ratified an eternal covenant with his blood—
21
May He equip you with all you need
for doing his will.
May he produce in you,[in us]
through the power of Jesus Christ,
every good thing that is pleasing to him.
All glory to him forever and ever! Amen.
Prayer: Lord, we know You are the Giver of every good and perfect gift. We also know not everything You bring to help us grow makes us feel good, even when it is good for us. So, equip us with Your strength to form endurance that grows us in the character of Christ. We want to glorify You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.