Developing Character in Difficult Times

Romans 5:3-4 ESV ³  Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, ⁴  and endurance produces character, and character produces hope,.

Characters of Character

David

Acts 13:22 NLT ²²  But God removed Saul and replaced him with David, a man about whom God said, ‘I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart. He will do everything I want him to do.’

Abraham

Genesis 18:19 KJV¹⁹  For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.

Samuel

1 Samuel 12:1-4 MSG1  Samuel addressed all Israel: “I’ve listened to everything you’ve said to me, listened carefully to every word, and I’ve given you a king. 2  See for yourself: Your king among you, leading you! But now look at me: I’m old and gray, and my sons are still here. I’ve led you faithfully from my youth until this very day. 3  Look at me! Do you have any complaints to bring before GOD and his anointed? Have I ever stolen so much as an ox or a donkey? Have I ever taken advantage of you or exploited you? Have I ever taken a bribe or played fast and loose with the law? Bring your complaint and I’ll make it right.” 4  “Oh no,” they said, “never. You’ve never done any of that—never abused us, never lined your own pockets.”

Joseph

Genesis 45:4-5 NLT ⁴  “Please, come closer,” he said to them. So they came closer. And he said again, “I am Joseph, your brother, whom you sold into slavery in Egypt. ⁵  But don’t be upset, and don’t be angry with yourselves for selling me to this place. It was God who sent me here ahead of you to preserve your lives.

Moses

Numbers 12:3 NIV ³  (Now Moses was a very humble man, more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth.)