Refining Circumstances = Defining Character

Our circumstances, although not always pleasant, are many times the tools that God chooses to both refine and define us, in order to purify our character as well as our commitment to Him. 

The definition of REFINE according to Webster’s is “to remove unwanted material; to purify”. 

Many times God takes us through a refining period by placing us in unlikely circumstances. 

Today we’re going to take a look at a few people in scripture that God chose to place in difficult circumstances allowing their character to be both refined and defined- all for His Glory.

God used refining circumstances all throughout scripture to define one’s character.

Take Joseph for instance: Sold into slavery by his brothers, wrongfully accused by Potipher’s wife and then thrown into prison- it was these unlikely refining circumstances that were defining his character.  His love and faithfulness to God were evident as you read about his life in Genesis chapters 39-50.  Genesis 50:20 states it best as Joseph explains to his brothers how his refining circumstances defined his View of God; “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” Joseph was truly a man of character who was evidently refined and defined by his circumstances.

Not only do we see refining circumstances in the life of Joseph, but we could look at the life of Samuel and see how at age 3 his mother Hannah obediently left him at the temple with Eli the priest to be raised up and used for God’s glory.  Unlikely circumstances at the least, to think that your mother would leave you at such a young age- but as we continue to read of how God used Samuel for his glory, it is evident to see how his life was refined and his character defined.

Then, there’s Esther- once again, a person of refining circumstances! Orphaned as a child and raised by her uncle- Her refining circumstances defined her trust in the Lord. God used her as an intercessor for the Jews and although it could have cost her life, Esther knew God had used every situation and circumstance to bring her to the place of trust in Him. Thus her words in Esther 4:16 is a defining moment in her character and commitment as she states, “… I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.”

The last man we’ll take a glance at is Daniel! Placed  again in unfortunate circumstances, Daniel stands as a role model for showing us that our circumstances will not only refine us- but also define us in order that God can truly use us for His Glory! 

Daniel was taken from his family and home in Judah around the age of 15, to be trained in the Babylonian Culture. It’s evident that his character and commitment were truly refined and defined as we see how Daniel had resolved not to be indoctrinated by this wicked culture.  Daniel’s faithfulness to his beliefs proved God’s faithfulness in the midst of his circumstances. Daniel found favor over and over again (as God promises in Proverbs 3:3&4) and was truly used by God. He chose to stand firm on his beliefs and not give in to the ways of the land, thus allowing God to receive all of the glory from his life.

We must seek to help the NEXT GENERATION realize that our circumstances in life can be viewed as tools that our sovereign God is using in our lives for His Glory.  May we all come to a point in our life that we too can say as Joseph, “ God intended it for good to accomplish what now is being done, the saving of many lives.”

I would love to hear how God has used your circumstances to refine and define you- For His Glory!

Thanks for stopping by and Blessings From the Hollowell Home!