Godly Character Created Through Testing

God planned to use Joseph by promoting him to a high level of prominence in the government of Egypt to save his family amid a famine. However, God's training for reigning required him to experience pain and suffering. When Joseph was imprisoned for the alleged rape of Potiphar's wife, of which he was completely innocent, I'm sure he began to wonder what God was doing. He could not see what was ahead and perhaps could not understand that his stewardship in the house of Potiphar, his master, and his time in jail was God's preparation to teach him how to manage all of Egypt during the upcoming famine. After becoming the second in command of the whole nation of Egypt, his brothers came to buy food. It was when they bowed before Joseph that he remembered his prophetic dream.

16He called down famine on the land and destroyed all their supplies of food; 17and he sent a man before them—Joseph, sold as a slave. 18They bruised his feet with shackles, his neck was put in irons, 19till what he foretold came to pass, till the word of the LORD proved him true. 20The king sent and released him, the ruler of peoples set him free. 21He made him master of his household, ruler over all he possessed (Psalm 105:16-21; emphasis added).

What's your dream or vision? Do you have the character base to support your dream? How fruitful do you wish to be? Do you desire to be a tool in the hands of God? Is God speaking to you right now through these words? Then cling to Christ and beg Him to transform you into His image. Humble yourself, submit your will to His, and see what God will make of your life. Like Joseph, hold on to your integrity and run the other way when sin comes around wanting to play (Genesis 39:12). Cultivate a heart attitude of hatred toward sin in your life. Remember that you are created for eternity. Life is not just about what happens in this world. God is preparing you for what's beyond this time; character is the essence of eternity, and you should not depart this world without godly character formed in your life. Let God mold and shape you into the likeness of Christ. No matter what trials you must endure, whatever your lot in life, may it be well with your soul.

In 1873, after being delayed in departing for evangelistic meetings in England, Horatio Spafford, a businessman from Chicago, sent his wife and four daughters on the trip across the Atlantic ahead of him. Unfortunately, the ship carrying them collided with another and sank. After a few days, Spafford received a telegram from his wife, saying, “saved alone,” letting him know that his four daughters had died in the collision. Immediately, he sailed for England to rejoin Anna, his grief-stricken wife. As his ship passed the approximate location where his daughters had drowned, his deep sorrow mingled with his unwavering faith in God's goodness caused him to write down words that became the famous hymn It Is Well:

When peace like a river attendeth my way,

When sorrows like sea billows roll;

Whatever my lot Thou hast taught me to say,

"It is well; it is well with my soul!"

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,

Let this blest assurance control,

That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate,

And hath shed His own blood for my soul.

My sin—oh, the bliss of this glorious thought—

My sin, not in part, but the whole,

Is nailed to His Cross, and I bear it no more;

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

And Lord, haste the day when the faith shall be sight,

The clouds be rolled back as a scroll

The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend –

"Even so, it is well with my soul."

For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live;

If dark hours about me shall roll

No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life

Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.

Horatio and Anna Spafford, after enduring these painful trials, went on to establish the American Colony in Jerusalem, Israel. Some Americans and Swedish individuals joined them, contributing their resources to care for Muslims, Jews, and Christians living in the Holy Land. They assisted many returning Jews by providing housing, food, and support to help them regain their footing and become self-sufficient. God allowed Horatio and Anna to face terrible trials to test and refine their character through their experiences. The testing of their faith led them to a place of abundance (Psalm 66:10-12), and heaven alone knows how close they are to the throne with Christ and what rewards they are enjoying right now. May you also experience His abundance and enter the inheritance that awaits your homecoming! Keith Thomas

Taken from the series Becoming A Disciple, look for study 3. The Character of a Disciple