--- title: "8 Difficult times Quotes By Joel Osteen" description: "8 Difficult times quotes by Joel Osteen. Plus more from Joel Osteen and more Difficult times sayings from other authors." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/771/joel-osteen-194_difficult_when-you-go-through-difficult-times-reco_702597.jpg" --- > [When you go through difficult times...recognize that God is refining you, knocking off some of your rough edges.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joel-osteen/when-you-go-through-difficult-times-recognize-that-god-is-refining/) [Joel Osteen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joel-osteen/) [Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/771/joel-osteen-194_difficult_when-you-go-through-difficult-times-reco_702597.jpg) > [Difficult times don't come your way just so you can survive them; God uses these times in your life to form and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joel-osteen/difficult-times-don-t-come-your-way-just-so-you-can-survive-them-god/) [Joel Osteen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joel-osteen/) [Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3cb/joel-osteen-194_difficult_difficult-times-don-t-come-your-way-just_827923.jpg) > [In difficult times, we're not supposed to quit believing; we're not supposed to quit growing.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joel-osteen/in-difficult-times-we-re-not-supposed-to-quit-believing-we-re-not/) [Joel Osteen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joel-osteen/) [Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3dc/joel-osteen-194_believe_in-difficult-times-we-re-not-supposed-to_851451.jpg) > [It's in the difficult times that we're growing and you can't just rebuke everything hard. We've got to endure it and fight…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joel-osteen/it-s-in-the-difficult-times-that-we-re-growing-and-you-can-t-just/) [Joel Osteen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joel-osteen/) [Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/403/joel-osteen-194_difficult_it-s-in-the-difficult-times-that-we-re-g_1593564.jpg) > [When you go through difficult times, make sure you pass the test. Don’t be stubborn and hardheaded. Recognize that God is refining…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joel-osteen/when-you-go-through-difficult-times-make-sure-you-pass-the-test-don-t/) [Joel Osteen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joel-osteen/) [Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/376/joel-osteen-194_attitude_when-you-go-through-difficult-times-make_1935567.jpg) > [“Human nature tends to turn negative in difficult times. But the Scripture tells us to do just the opposite: “Count it all…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joel-osteen/human-nature-tends-to-turn-negative-in-difficult-times-but-the/) [Joel Osteen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joel-osteen/) [Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/31a/joel-osteen-194_difficult-time_human-nature-tends-to-turn-negative-in-d_2122081.jpg) > [When you face difficult times, know that challenges are not sent to destroy you. They're sent to promote, increase and strengthen you.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joel-osteen/when-you-face-difficult-times-know-that-challenges-are-not-sent-to-2/) [Joel Osteen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joel-osteen/) [Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0df/joel-osteen-194_challenges_when-you-face-difficult-times-know-that_2954972.jpg) > [“Bloom where you’re planted. Don’t make excuses. Don’t go through life thinking, I’ve got a disadvantage. I’ve got too many obstacles. I’m…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joel-osteen/bloom-where-you-re-planted-don-t-make-excuses-don-t-go-through-life/) [Joel Osteen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joel-osteen/) [Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/105/joel-osteen-194_difficult-time_bloom-where-you-re-planted-don-t-make-ex_3091318.jpg) ## Other authors on Difficult times - [Lailah Gifty Akita 20 quotes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/difficult-times/lailah-gifty-akita/) - [ ![](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/uploads/sms4s/authors/processed/b019/author-paulo-coelho-74345.jpg) Paulo Coelho 16 quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/difficult-times/paulo-coelho/) - [ ![](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/uploads/sms4s/authors/processed/b001/author-anurag-prakash-ray-38.jpg) Anurag Prakash Ray 10 quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/difficult-times/anurag-prakash-ray/) - [ ![](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/uploads/sms4s/authors/processed/b001/author-ritu-ghatourey-5.jpg) Ritu Ghatourey 5 quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/difficult-times/ritu-ghatourey/) ## More by Joel Osteen > [Resist discouragement by speaking His Word over your future. Keep standing. Keep hoping; keep believing because He is working behind the scenes. He's going…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joel-osteen/resist-discouragement-by-speaking-his-word-over-your-future-keep/) [Joel Osteen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joel-osteen/) > [I don't have to figure out how God is going to solve my problem. I don't have to understand how He's going to bring…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joel-osteen/i-don-t-have-to-figure-out-how-god-is-going-to-solve-my-problem-i-don/) [Joel Osteen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joel-osteen/) > [The only difference between black coal and a precious diamond is the amount of pressure it endured.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joel-osteen/the-only-difference-between-black-coal-and-a-precious-diamond-is-the/) [Joel Osteen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joel-osteen/) > [Faith is easy; I think people complicate it.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joel-osteen/faith-is-easy-i-think-people-complicate-it/) [Joel Osteen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joel-osteen/) > [There's pros and cons of a big church. Cons is I don't get to know everybody, I don't get to go to their ballgame,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joel-osteen/there-s-pros-and-cons-of-a-big-church-cons-is-i-don-t-get-to-know/) [Joel Osteen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joel-osteen/) > [When you smile and project an aura of warmth, kindness, and friendliness, you will attract warms, kindness, and friendliness. Happy people will be drawn…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joel-osteen/when-you-smile-and-project-an-aura-of-warmth-kindness-and/) [Joel Osteen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joel-osteen/) > [You were never created to live depressed, defeated, guilty, condemned, ashamed or unworthy. You were created to be victorious.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joel-osteen/you-were-never-created-to-live-depressed-defeated-guilty-condemned/) [Joel Osteen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joel-osteen/) > [You may not have the approval of someone 'important,' but you have the favor of God.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joel-osteen/you-may-not-have-the-approval-of-someone-important-but-you-have-the/) [Joel Osteen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joel-osteen/) > [“In the Bible, God called Gideon a mighty man of (fearless) courage. Gideon looked around and said, “Who’s He talking to? That’s not me.”…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joel-osteen/in-the-bible-god-called-gideon-a-mighty-man-of-fearless-courage/) [Joel Osteen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joel-osteen/) > [At the start of each new day, remind yourself: I am talented. I am creative. I am greatly favored by God. I am equipped.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joel-osteen/at-the-start-of-each-new-day-remind-yourself-i-am-talented-i-am/) [Joel Osteen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joel-osteen/) > [Don't be intimidated by the size of your problem or the size of your dream. God will see to it that it is finished…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joel-osteen/don-t-be-intimidated-by-the-size-of-your-problem-or-the-size-of-your/) [Joel Osteen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joel-osteen/) > [No matter what's happening, choose to be happy. Don't focus on what's wrong. Find something positive in your life. Thank God for the small…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joel-osteen/no-matter-what-s-happening-choose-to-be-happy-don-t-focus-on-what-s/) [Joel Osteen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joel-osteen/) > [I deal with more practical issues of the Bible.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joel-osteen/i-deal-with-more-practical-issues-of-the-bible/) [Joel Osteen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joel-osteen/) > [I've learned a simple principle: all I have to do is be the best 'me' that I can be. One day when I read…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joel-osteen/i-ve-learned-a-simple-principle-all-i-have-to-do-is-be-the-best-me/) [Joel Osteen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joel-osteen/) > [“Too often we don’t realize how great we have it until something is taken away.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joel-osteen/too-often-we-don-t-realize-how-great-we-have-it-until-something-is/) [Joel Osteen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joel-osteen/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "ItemList", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/difficult-times/joel-osteen/#itemlist", "name": "8 Difficult times Quotes By Joel Osteen", "numberOfItems": 8, "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "item": { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "When you go through difficult times...recognize that God is refining you, knocking off some of your rough edges.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Joel Osteen" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joel-osteen/when-you-go-through-difficult-times-recognize-that-god-is-refining/", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/771/joel-osteen-194_difficult_when-you-go-through-difficult-times-reco_702597.jpg", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/771/joel-osteen-194_difficult_when-you-go-through-difficult-times-reco_702597.jpg", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/771/joel-osteen-194_difficult_when-you-go-through-difficult-times-reco_702597.jpg", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“When you go through difficult times...recognize that God is refining you, knocking off some of your rough…” — Joel Osteen", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } } }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "item": { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "Difficult times don't come your way just so you can survive them; God uses these times in your life to form and refine you.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Joel Osteen" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joel-osteen/difficult-times-don-t-come-your-way-just-so-you-can-survive-them-god/", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3cb/joel-osteen-194_difficult_difficult-times-don-t-come-your-way-just_827923.jpg", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3cb/joel-osteen-194_difficult_difficult-times-don-t-come-your-way-just_827923.jpg", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3cb/joel-osteen-194_difficult_difficult-times-don-t-come-your-way-just_827923.jpg", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“Difficult times don't come your way just so you can survive them; God uses these times in your life to form…” — Joel Osteen", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } } }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "item": { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "In difficult times, we're not supposed to quit believing; we're not supposed to quit growing.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Joel Osteen" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joel-osteen/in-difficult-times-we-re-not-supposed-to-quit-believing-we-re-not/", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3dc/joel-osteen-194_believe_in-difficult-times-we-re-not-supposed-to_851451.jpg", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3dc/joel-osteen-194_believe_in-difficult-times-we-re-not-supposed-to_851451.jpg", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3dc/joel-osteen-194_believe_in-difficult-times-we-re-not-supposed-to_851451.jpg", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“In difficult times, we're not supposed to quit believing; we're not supposed to quit growing.” — Joel Osteen", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } } }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "item": { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "It's in the difficult times that we're growing and you can't just rebuke everything hard. 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Don’t be stubborn and hardheaded…” — Joel Osteen", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } } }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 6, "item": { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "“Human nature tends to turn negative in difficult times. But the Scripture tells us to do just the opposite: “Count it all joy when you fall into various trials” (James 1:2 NKJV). That doesn’t seem to make sense to some people. “You mean we’re supposed to be joyful and glad-hearted in the middle of tough times?” they ask. Yes, that’s right, because when you lose your joy, you lose your strength. You need your strength more than ever in the difficult times, and your strength is dependent on your joy. When you’re facing a financial crisis, dealing with an illness, going through a breakup in a relationship, or raising a rebellious child, you need your strength. 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They're sent to promote, increase and strengthen you.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Joel Osteen" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joel-osteen/when-you-face-difficult-times-know-that-challenges-are-not-sent-to-2/", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0df/joel-osteen-194_challenges_when-you-face-difficult-times-know-that_2954972.jpg", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0df/joel-osteen-194_challenges_when-you-face-difficult-times-know-that_2954972.jpg", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0df/joel-osteen-194_challenges_when-you-face-difficult-times-know-that_2954972.jpg", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“When you face difficult times, know that challenges are not sent to destroy you. They're sent to promote…” — Joel Osteen", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } } }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 8, "item": { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "“Bloom where you’re planted. Don’t make excuses. Don’t go through life thinking, I’ve got a disadvantage. I’ve got too many obstacles. I’m the wrong nationality. I come from the wrong family. I don’t have the connections. I could never get out of this environment. You may not see how you will rise above, but God sees. He already has a way. Your destiny is not determined by how you were raised, or by your circumstances, or by how many odds are against you; your destiny is determined by the Creator of the universe. And if you take what God has given you and make the most of it, like Chi Chi did, God will open doors. He will give you good breaks, and He will place the right people across your path. Get rid of your excuses. Quit waiting for things to change. Sow a seed and be happy right now. When you’re in difficult times, remember: Either God is doing a work in you or He’s using you to do a work in someone else. As long as you’re in faith, where you are is where you’re supposed to be. Quit fighting to go somewhere else. Be the best you can be right where you are. If you make this decision to bloom where you’re planted, you pass the test. God promises He will pour out His blessings and favor. You’ll not only live happy, but also God will take you places you’ve never even dreamed of.”", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Joel Osteen" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joel-osteen/bloom-where-you-re-planted-don-t-make-excuses-don-t-go-through-life/", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/105/joel-osteen-194_difficult-time_bloom-where-you-re-planted-don-t-make-ex_3091318.jpg", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/105/joel-osteen-194_difficult-time_bloom-where-you-re-planted-don-t-make-ex_3091318.jpg", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/105/joel-osteen-194_difficult-time_bloom-where-you-re-planted-don-t-make-ex_3091318.jpg", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“Bloom where you’re planted. Don’t make excuses. 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