Posted by: Pure Glory | 01/16/2022

Adversity Develops Godly Character

by Hazel Straub

Trouble and adversity happen in our journey of life but God uses these things to build Godly character, inside of us. The fire of hardship, trials and obstacles refines us. The fire helps us learn to depend on God and not ourselves. We die to our fleshly responses, while in the fire.

God often takes us through troubles rather than immediately delivering us from them. Through this process, our character becomes more like Jesus. Joseph, was sold by his brothers as a slave. He was faithful to God but was falsely accused and ended up in a dungeon for many years. During this time, he forgave his brothers and got the character needed for his destiny, as prime minister in Egypt. He did not complain but looked to God to sustain him.

Thank God for troubles that drive us to our knees and to him. Do not complain but rejoice in the Lord. Lean into him for strength and rely on him and not your flesh. The fire of adversity puts pressure on us, so the fleshly ways get consumed in the flames, leaving us with a Godly character.

“Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.” (James 1:2-4 MSG)

But Joseph replied, “Don’t be afraid of me. Am I God, that I can punish you? You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people. No, don’t be afraid. I will continue to take care of you and your children.” So he reassured them by speaking kindly to them. (Genesis 50:19-21 NLT)

© Crown of Glory International Ministries. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission, from this blog’s author and/or owner, is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Crown of Glory International Ministries, http://pureglory.net


Responses

  1. True and Happy Sunday – Amen!

    Liked by 2 people

    • Adversity is not fun but it does bring rich rewards. Happy Sunday!

      Liked by 3 people

      • Without trials and tribulations, life gets boring and pointless in some ways …

        Liked by 2 people

      • One thing we can be sure of, in this world we will have trials and tribulations but we can be of good cheer for Jesus has overcome the world.

        Liked by 1 person

  2. Thank you for the reminder 😚💗

    Liked by 2 people

    • Ana, you are welcome! 🤗❤️

      Liked by 1 person

      • 🌞

        Liked by 3 people

      • Through both joy and pain,
        We transcend, grow and gain,
        Know that Nothing goes in vain ,
        Diamonds form under pressure and  strain ,
        A simple truth yet profound and plain …

        Liked by 5 people

      • Truth!

        Liked by 2 people

  3. This is such a timely post for me. I am in the midst of a fire situation, and I know God is in the midst of it all even though I do not see the outcome yet. Prayer is appreciated. Blessings and Gods love Always over you Hazel.
    Julia

    Liked by 4 people

    • Praise God for a word that is timely and in season.

      Father, through your son Jesus, I come before you on behalf of Julia. Thank you that Jesus is with her in the midst of the fire. Give her much of your grace and let her walk into freedom. Give Julia eyes to see her trial through your eyes. Let her come out of the fire, not smelling of smoke, with all bondages burned off and let her walk in your freedom through grace. Thank you Father, that it is already done for Julia. Amen

      Julia, abundant blessings of grace and more grace, in the precious blood of Jesus!

      Liked by 3 people

      • Thank you for the tears of joy for such a beautiful heart filled prayer Hazel. You are Blessed.
        Julia

        Liked by 2 people

      • You are welcome, Julia! Blessings of coming through.

        Liked by 1 person

  4. You said: ‘Joseph, was sold by his brothers as a slave. He was faithful to God but was falsely accused and ended up in a dungeon for many years. During this time, he forgave his brothers and got the character needed for his destiny, as prime minister in Egypt.’

    That really stood out to me. Sometimes we tend to get bitter and angry at those that made life difficult for us. But UNTIL we forgive them like God forgave us, we cannot move on to the next level.

    Great post!

    Liked by 4 people

    • So true that forgiveness of others is key to our freedom. Thank you! Blessings!

      Like

  5. Yes, Lord. Yes. The refiner’s fire is for our benefit and His glory!

    Liked by 3 people

  6. The fire draws us close to the Father’s heart!

    Liked by 3 people

  7. I LOVE the story of Joseph in the Bible – so very encouraging!!

    Liked by 2 people

    • Yes, Joseph is inspiring and shows us how to forgive. Blessings!

      Liked by 1 person

      • AMEN!! Yes Sir he does!! Thank you Apostle!! God’s BLESSINGS to you and your family too!!

        Liked by 2 people

      • Thank you! Blessings!

        Liked by 1 person

      • You’re welcome Apostle!! God’s BLESSINGS to you and your family too!!

        Liked by 2 people

  8. Amen.

    Liked by 1 person

  9. I needed this reminder!

    Liked by 2 people

  10. what we overcome through the Overcomer we can help others overcome! thank you Pure Glory!

    Liked by 3 people

  11. Reblogged this on and commented:
    What a powerful message about adversity when it pertains to the character. Joseph was the perfect example of how he looked to God for help throughout his troubles. We too should do the same and trust in Him for sustainment in order for us to overcome adversity. Glory be to God for the message of His word and have a blessed day, my friend! \O/ 😀 XOXO

    Liked by 2 people

    • God renews us day by day and is always with us. We walk by faith not by sight, as we keep our eyes on Jesus! Hallelujah! \o/ XOXO 😊

      Liked by 1 person

  12. I have learnt that the only way to learn this is the hard way – actually ensuring the crucible experience. I wouldn’t have appreciated the lesson otherwise. I thank God that I didn’t do it alone. I wouldn’t have survived.

    Liked by 2 people


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