God has a purpose behind every problem.
“It is the fire of suffering that brings forth the gold of godliness.”
Madame Guyon
God will use circumstances, more than our reading of the Bible, to shape our character. It’s in the “life lived” that we have opportunity for the Bible to be real. Jesus didn’t try and sugar coat it, he told us that in this life we will face trouble.
Life can feel like a series of problems to solve. We solve one and another one is waiting around the corner. Not all are big but they are all significant in God’s growth process for us.
Our most profound and intimate experiences with God will likely be in our darkest times. It’s during suffering that we learn to pray most authentically. We learn things about God that we can’t learn any other way.
“You’ll never know that God is all you need until God is all you’ve got.”
Rick Warren
Every problem is a character-building opportunity. What happens outside of us is not as important as what happens inside of us. Circumstances are temporary. Character is forever.
Responding to problems as Jesus would:
- Remember that God’s plan is good. God knows what is best and has our best interests at heart. As difficult as it is, keep our eyes up, on God’s purpose and not on the pain alone.
“If you look at the world, you’ll be distressed. If you look within, you’ll be depressed. But if you look at Christ, you’ll be at rest.”
Corrie ten Boom
- Rejoice and give thanks. Notice how God calls us to give thanks “in all circumstances” not “for all circumstances.” God doesn’t expect us to be thankful for evil or wrong doing. We thank Him that he is able to use our circumstances for his purposes. We don’t rejoice over our pain, we rejoice in the Lord.
- Refuse to give up. Be patient and persistent. Character building is a slow process. Instead of asking “why me” ask “what are you teaching me.”
Summary:
Remember – There is a purpose behind every problem.
Key Bible Verse – “So we are convinced that every detail of our lives is continually woven together to fit into God’s perfect plan of bringing good into our lives, for we are his lovers who have been called to fulfill his designed purpose.” Romans 8:28 TPT
Pray – Father, I need your comfort in my pain. I can’t do this without you. I need your grace and help me to see your purpose in my problem. Bring your goodness into my life.
Please get in touch if we can stand with you in prayer. It would be our privilege.
Bevan
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