Don't Let Circumstances Define Character
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.” – Romans 12:2
Yesterday we spoke about how we should not let other people determine our character. Today, we will focus on how we should not let our circumstances determine our character. What separates a child of God from someone who is not a believer is their ability to stay consistent in their character despite their circumstances around them.
Character is defined as the mental and moral qualities distinctive to an individual. When Jesus came to earth, He showed us what true character should look like. In Matthew 4, after fasting 40 days and 40 nights, Jesus was hungry and fatigued. Recognizing these circumstances, the devil tried to persuade Jesus to denounce God, and then he would have the earthly comforts he so desired. However, Jesus’s character would not allow it. And the same power working in Jesus is working in us.
Like Jesus, we will be tested with sorrow, grief, disappointment, neglect, and we may even lose our physical safety. However, what we cannot lose is a God who will keep us in perfect peace if our minds are stayed on Him. The testing of our faith will produce patience. It will give us the room to have faith in a God who will give us strength when ours runs out.
When the world wants to test your character, remember that those circumstances do not define you. Those circumstances are designed to build you into a stronger individual and your character will sustain you in places where your human thoughts and abilities cannot. Be consistent no matter the circumstance.
Yesterday we spoke about how we should not let other people determine our character. Today, we will focus on how we should not let our circumstances determine our character. What separates a child of God from someone who is not a believer is their ability to stay consistent in their character despite their circumstances around them.
Character is defined as the mental and moral qualities distinctive to an individual. When Jesus came to earth, He showed us what true character should look like. In Matthew 4, after fasting 40 days and 40 nights, Jesus was hungry and fatigued. Recognizing these circumstances, the devil tried to persuade Jesus to denounce God, and then he would have the earthly comforts he so desired. However, Jesus’s character would not allow it. And the same power working in Jesus is working in us.
Like Jesus, we will be tested with sorrow, grief, disappointment, neglect, and we may even lose our physical safety. However, what we cannot lose is a God who will keep us in perfect peace if our minds are stayed on Him. The testing of our faith will produce patience. It will give us the room to have faith in a God who will give us strength when ours runs out.
When the world wants to test your character, remember that those circumstances do not define you. Those circumstances are designed to build you into a stronger individual and your character will sustain you in places where your human thoughts and abilities cannot. Be consistent no matter the circumstance.
Subscribe Now for Free Daily Devotions
Recent
Archive
2025
January
Plenty of RoomThankful for Your SeatWho God Invites to the TableThat’s the PointWe Do Not Have a Monopoly on GodStop Talking So LoudLet God Handle the Guest ListA Long-Awaited ReunionSeeing Jesus for YourselfIn Possession of a Personal PromiseGet in the Right PositionReady to ReceiveAligning Your Life for God's PromiseWaiting with ExpectancyGrounded in PrayerStrength in PrayerPatience Through PrayerStay Focused Through PrayerGod's Conditional PromisesGod’s PriorityGrounded in FaithTrusting God's TimingThe Assurance of God's PromisesIs It Well With Your Soul?Health vs. HealingStewarding Your BodyA Holistic View of SpiritualityGod Cares About Your BodyWhat You Put in MattersNourishing Your SoulThe Power of Prevention
February
The Power of a ComebackHealing from the PastStop Blaming and Start TrustingBury the Past to Claim the FutureFacing Trauma with TruthCelebrate That You SurvivedRepair What is BrokenNothing God Can’t FixDon’t Swing at Bad PitchesStick to God’s PlanDon’t Let Desperation Drive YouShift Your WeightWho Knows Best?A Good Idea Isn’t Always a God IdeaPeace in God’s PlanFinding Purpose in God’s PlanProsperity in God’s PlanTrusting God’s Plan, Pace, and ProcessKnowing When to PivotGod Hasn’t Given Up on YouNext-Level Faith Requires PerseveranceA New Revelation of GodIt’s Not All About YouNext-Level ConnectionsNext-Level CommitmentA Prayer That Moves GodPrayers That Carry a BurdenPray With Boldness
March
A Solid FoundationPositioned for BlessingMarked by LoveTrust God's JudgmentRest in God's DeliveranceLet Go of ControlWhat You Want MostWhy Church Still MattersFaith in the Midst of DisappointmentJoy for the JourneyA Place of SafetyStrength in CommunityPeace in the ChaosThe Purpose of the ValleySeasons ChangeUnshaken in the StormHold OnThe Power of ResilienceNever AloneGod Is Closer Than You ThinkLet Go of WorryLet Go of WorryBelieve Before You SeeResilient FaithHow to Be a Success God's WayTrue Success Starts with the SoulSuccess Through SurrenderCharacter That Speaks for ItselfThe Power of Being RealKeep GrowingSuccess in the Face of Opposition
No Comments