June 21st was the first day of summer and DC temperatures in the 90s proved it. Sadly for me and my family, the air conditioner unit decided to break down in honor of the new season. My household has spent some hot and muggy days inside and out.

It’s interesting how discomfort can reveal the heart. The happy, pleasant wife and mother may not be as quick to smile and forgive when exhausted, late, frustrated, hungry, or hot. Most days, I like to think of myself as a “mature Christian;” and then comes the moment that exposes amazing weakness and reminds me of my desperate need for a long-suffering and gracious Sanctifier.

Whatever the circumstance, God calls me to holiness and the Spirit's work in me is seen by the fruit of joy, peace, forbearance, and kindness--even in 90 degree, no air conditioner weather (Galatians 5:16-26). At the same time, my declared holiness doesn’t rest on my flawless behavior but on God’s own initiative. Ephesians 1:3-4 sates: Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him.”

God chose us to be holy before the foundation of the world. Our positional holiness is purchased by Christ and is being progressively revealed in us through the work of the Spirit. And one glorious day, we will rejoice in the complete elimination of all our sins (Romans 8:29-30). On this hot June morning, I'm basking in that good news!

*Thanks for reading! Good News Friday is a weekly blog series that reminds us of the sufficiency of Scripture for our encouragement in all things. Click HERE for more good news and HERE for the Greatest News ever!