Empowered Character

January: Month of Focus Series

As we continue our Month of Focus in this Year of Expansion, God is intentionally drawing our attention to something foundational: our character. Expansion is not only about where God is taking us—it’s about who we must become to sustain where He is leading us.

In Galatians 5:22–25 (ESV), Paul reminds us what a Spirit-led life looks like:

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control… If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.”

These verses show us that godly expansion begins internally. Before God enlarges our territory, He often refines our character.

When we look at the life of Joseph, we see this clearly. Joseph endured years of testing, pruning, and refinement. The character he entered Egypt with was not the same character he carried into the palace. God used every season—betrayal, delay, disappointment—to shape him for leadership. Joseph’s promotion was not accidental; it was the result of a character refined through obedience and faithfulness.

Many of us find ourselves in what feels like a Joseph season. It seems like nothing is working. Provision feels delayed. Prayers appear unanswered. Prophetic promises don’t look like they’re coming to pass. And it’s easy to ask, “God, what’s taking so long?”

But what if the delay isn’t because of sin or disobedience—but because our character is still under construction?

In this Year of Expansion, God is lovingly reminding us that our next season is often waiting on the reconstruction of our character—how we see the world, how we respond under pressure, how we react when things don’t go our way, and even how we act when no one is watching. This refining work is done by the Holy Spirit, using the fruit of the Spirit as the framework.

I can personally testify to this truth. The person I was 16 years ago when I moved to the UK is not the same person I am today, having returned to Canada. I had to go through pruning, refining, and moments of correction. I had to surrender my character before I could truly enjoy the blessings God has entrusted to me now.

It’s not that I’m perfect, and it’s not that I’ve arrived—but I know this: the version of me from 16 years ago did not have the character to sustain the blessings I walk in today.

As we fast and focus this month, let us allow God to do the deeper work. Let Him prune, chip away, and reshape us. Don’t allow frustration or comparison—seeing others accelerate or step into their “suddenly”—to distract you from the refining happening in your life. The blessings God has prepared for you are greater than what you are currently experiencing, but your character must be ready to carry them.

Many of us are moving from prison to palace seasons—but promotion requires trust. God must be able to trust our hearts before He entrusts us with greater influence, responsibility, and blessing.