Chapter 8: God Uses Adversity

Coming November 22, 2026 Discover how God uses adversity to shape faith, refine character, and deepen intimacy with Him. Through biblical examples and practical insight, this course shows how hardship is not wasted but becomes a powerful tool for spiritual growth, renewed focus, and a living testimony of God’s presence and purpose.

Charles Stanley Institute is a FREE online learning platform founded on Dr. Stanley’s rich, Christ-centered messages—some of which have not been broadcast in decades.

In each course, you will begin with Dr. Stanley’s sermons and then dive deeper into the spiritual truths he presented through new Scripture-centered materials—instructional videos, Bible studies, and leader guides—that explore his points further.

Chapter 8: God Uses Adversity

Course Highlights:

Key Themes We Cover:

God’s purpose and presence in seasons of adversity.
Trials as a means of spiritual growth and stronger faith.
Adversity as refinement—pruning attitudes, habits, and priorities.
Renewed dependence on God through hardship and distraction correction.
Suffering as a testimony that reveals God’s power to others.

Included in Your Class Materials:

Instructor-led course video
A supporting sermon from Dr. Stanley

Your Instructor:

Dan Watson

Seasoned pastor and Christian leader who has led people to Christ around the world.
Loves God, his wife, and his four kids.
Born and raised in London.
Recently located to United States of America.
English Football supporter of the club West Ham.
Authentic believer and follower of Christ who holds true to Dr. Stanley's theology.

Flexible Learning

Whether you want to consume an entire course in one intensive session or take your time navigating the content in small, palatable bites, our modular approach caters to every level of understanding and individual time commitment. Your progress within each course, class, and class segment will be saved, and you can return and continue at your leisure.

Lifetime Access to Resources

Your Study Guides, Leader Guides, and Sermon Listening Guides are all yours to download, save, and, most importantly—use! Supporting articles and sermons will be available so you can dig into the topics as much as you like, whenever you desire.

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Info & Materials | In Step With God

Are you walking in step with God—or has life left you rushing ahead, falling behind, or wandering in confusion? There's a better way. Join us as we discover what it truly means to walk in intimacy with the Creator—through every high and low—and how surrendering to His plan can transform every part of your life.

Chapter 1: Intimacy with God

This course introduces the foundation of the Christian life: a deep, personal relationship with God. Moving beyond religious activity, it invites learners to pursue intimacy through trust, surrender, and time with Him—discovering true joy, peace, and purpose in His presence.

Chapter 2: God’s Way is the Best Way

This course explores what it means to truly trust God in seasons of uncertainty and weakness. Through Scripture and reflection, learners discover how dependence on God, rooted in His love and character, leads to peace, purpose, and deeper intimacy—even when His ways are unclear.

Chapter 3: You Can Trust God’s Promises

This course explores the unshakable nature of God’s promises and how they form the foundation of faith. Learners are challenged to listen to God’s voice, respond in obedience, and trust Him—even when fulfillment is delayed—discovering that true intimacy grows through faith, perseverance, and confidence in His Word.

Chapter 4: The Ways God Reveals Himself

This course explores how God reveals Himself in both the extraordinary and the ordinary moments of life. Through biblical stories, learners discover how surrender, faith, and attentiveness open the door to seeing God’s hand at work, even in weakness, disobedience, and seemingly insignificant circumstances.

Chapter 5: God Brings Good From Evil

Coming November 1, 2026 This course examines how God works through evil, suffering, and human failure to accomplish His redemptive purposes. Through Scripture, learners discover that God is never absent—He transforms pain, injustice, and even disobedience into opportunities for restoration, growth, and the fulfillment of His greater plan.

Chapter 6: Expect the Unexpected

Coming November 8, 2026 Explore how God works through unexpected paths and imperfect people to accomplish His purposes. Through biblical stories, this course builds trust in God’s timing, power, and faithfulness—even when life doesn’t make sense.

Chapter 7: Right on Time

Coming November 15, 2026 This course explores the challenge and purpose of waiting on God. Through biblical examples, learners discover how God’s timing is perfect, His delays are intentional, and seasons of waiting are opportunities for growth, trust, and preparation for His greater purposes.

Chapter 9: Forgiven

Coming November 29, 2026 This course explores the transforming power of God’s forgiveness and the freedom found in Christ. Through Scripture, learners discover how grace removes guilt, restores fellowship with God, and reshapes the heart—empowering believers to live confidently in forgiveness and extend that same grace to others.

Chapter 10: The God of Absolute Love

Coming December 6, 2026 This course explores the unchanging, unconditional love of God and what it means to rest securely in it. Through Scripture, learners discover how God’s love pursues, transforms, and frees them from fear—inviting them to live with confidence, identity, and joy rooted in His eternal nature.

Chapter 11: God Delights in Obedience

Coming December 13, 2026 This course explores the lifelong journey of obedience and its role in deepening faith and relationship with God. Through biblical examples, learners discover how small acts of trust and surrender invite God’s power, produce lasting impact, and carry eternal significance beyond what can be seen.

Chapter 12: In Step with God’s Plan

Coming December 20, 2026 This concluding course invites learners to deepen their relationship with God by walking closely with Him in daily life. Emphasizing intimacy, obedience, and trust, it encourages believers to hear God’s voice, rely on His guidance, and remain steadfast in faith, discovering lasting joy, purpose, and assurance in Him.