SIX WAYS GOD USES PROBLEMS
Summary Outline
The Scripture tells us that “all things work together for good.” It is often asked, “What good can come from difficulties, troubles, hard times. This is not a complete list, but it does reveal how our God answers this question. He is up to something good. What good thing is He doing in your life? Christian, If you face some problem, maybe you will find a good reason for it in this Biblical list. Remember, He is the same God when you are on the Mountain top as He is in the valley.
1. TO CORRECT US
God uses problems to correct you. Some lessons we learn only through pain and failures. It is likely that, as a child, your parents told you not to touch that hot stove, but you touched it anyway. You learned by being burned. Sometimes we learn the value of something – health, wealth, a relationship – by losing it.
Psalm 119:71
The punishment you gave me was the best thing that could have happened to me, for it taught me to pay attention to your laws. They are more valuable to me than millions in silver and gold! (TLB)
Psalm 119:72
My troubles turned out all for the best – they forced me to learn from your textbook. Truth from your mouth means more to me than striking it rich in a gold mine. (Msg)
2. TO DIRECT US
Sometimes God must light a fire under you to get you moving. Problems often point us in a new direction and motivate us to change.
Proverbs 20:30
Sometimes it takes a painful situation to make us change our ways.
Sometimes He just wants us to get closer to Him.
2 Corinthians 1:9
We felt we were doomed to die and saw how powerless we were to help ourselves; but that was good, for then we put everything into the hands of God, who alone could save us, for he can even raise the dead. (LB)
3. TO PERFECT US
Problems, when responded to correctly, are character builders. God is far more interested in your character than your comfort. Your relationship with God and your character are two things that survive the destruction of the universe. Your bank account will not survive. Your materiel things will not survive.
They promote spiritual maturity. They develop the character of Christ in us, such as patience, wisdom, humility, and obedience. People are like teabags – if you want to know what is in them, you have to drop them in hot water! Has God tested your faith with a problem? What do problems reveal about you?
Problems test our faith – what sort it is.
James 1:2, 3
2) Dear brothers, is your life full of difficulties and temptations? Then be happy.
3) for when the way is rough, your patience has a chance to grow.
4) So let it grow, and don’t try to squirm out of your problems. For when your patience is finally in full bloom, then you will be ready for anything, strong in character, full and complete. (TLB)
4. TO PROTECT US (as a blessing in disguise)
Genesis 50:20
As far as I am concerned, God turned into good what you meant for evil, for He brought me to this high position I have today so that I could save the lives of many people.
A problem can be a blessing in disguise if it prevents you from being harmed by something more serious.
A True Story:
Last year a friend of mine was fired for refusing to do something unethical that his boss asked him to do. His unemployment was a problem – but it saved him from being convicted and sent to prison a year later when his boss’s actions were uncovered.
5. TO AFFECT OTHERS THROUGH US (as a witness for Christ)
Difficulties bring opportunities to share the gospel with others. Everything in your life is preparing you for your mission in life.
1 Peter 3:13-15
13] Usually no one will hurt you for wanting to do good,
14] But even if they should, you are to be envied, for God will reward you for it.
15] Quietly trust yourself to Christ your Lord, and if anybody asks why you believe as you do, be ready to tell him, and do it in a gentle and respectful way.
6. TO PROFIT US (to reward us)
James 1:12
Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.