Developing your Character through Trials (III):

“But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord. ” (2nd Corinthians 3:18, New King James Version)

This is the key Bible verse for the “Come and See” devotional today.

As we come to conclude this message of truth, we should be very aware that there are no new trials in this world. Indeed, there is nothing new under the sun. It is practically impossible to have a testimony without passing through one kind of test or another. There is no victory without a fight.

Although we cannot entirely exonerate Satan from the continuous anguish of mankind, sometimes he is not the problem. We often indict the devil as the one behind our trials when we should rather be sensitive to the need for us to change. The truth is that the devil does not know everyone in this world because he is not omnipresent and all-knowing as The Almighty God is . This brings to mind the demons’ response to the seven sons of Sceva who tried to copy the Disciples of Christ: “but (one) evil spirit retorted, Jesus I know, and Paul I know about, but who are you? (Acts 19 verse 15, Amplified Bible).

Satan also lacks the capacity to create more demons to torment everybody. He is limited to making use of the services of his few fallen desolate angels. This confirms further that there are greater reasons for your current trials and that these have nothing to do with the wicked dark forces of this world. The story of Job shows that even good people are not excluded from life’s trials.

We remember the experience of Joseph in the Bible. As a boy, God gave him vital information that was meant for him alone. He told his brothers the revelation that depicted his destiny. His actions did not comply with the Word of God in Deuteronomy 29 verse 29 (Amplified Bible): “the secret things belong unto the Lord our God, but the things which are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all of the words of this law”.

In the end, he achieved a high position but in preparation for this, he learned many lessons the hard way. Nobody told him to conceal his identity when his brother visited (read Genesis 44). The exalted position he was destined to occupy in life was not meant for a talkative person. The Alpha and Omega knew he was going to be in charge of the treasury and secrets of a nation. He allowed the trials of betrayal, false accusation and imprisonment to strengthen and build a perfect character within him.

Finally: your current misfortunes are transitory and will bring out the best in you. These trials are intended to remove all your impurities so that you can be joyful and live life to the full. 1st Peter 5 verse 10 states “But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you”

Let us pray: “Father, I receive grace and strength to recognise the change I need to make for my situation to change “ in Jesus’ Mighty Name, Amen.

This message was brought to you by Evangelical Ministries International (EMI). We know this message has been a blessing to you. Please share your testimonies with us by visiting our website www.evangelicalministries.org or contact us on info@evangelicalministries.org. God bless you!