Turning Problems into Pluses

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James 1:2–6 NIV84
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.

How Can You Turn Your Problems into Pluses?

1. You turn your problems into pluses by Understanding 4 Facts of Life

James 1:2–3 NIV84
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.

1. Problems are INEVITABLE.

2. Problems are UNPREDICTABLE.

3. Problems are VARIED.

4. Problems are PURPOSEFUL

What are the Purposes of Problems in our Lives?

1. Problems Purify your FAITH

2. Problems Fortify your PATIENCE

3. Problems Sanctify your CHARACTER

4. God’s Number 1 Purpose in Your Life is to Make YOU More Like Jesus

2. You Turn Your Problems into Pluses When You Become More Like Jesus.

You Become More Like Jesus THROUGH THE WORD OF GOD.

John 17:17 NLT
Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth.
James 1:22–25 NIV84
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does.
You Become More Like Jesus THROUGH THE CIRCUMSTANCES OF LIFE.
Romans 8:28 NLT
And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.
Romans 8:29 NLT
For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.
God Uses Circumstances of Life to make us more like Jesus.

You Turn Your Problems into Pluses When You Handle Your Problems Like Jesus Would

When You have a Problem, You are to REJOICE.

James 1:2 NIV84
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds,
1 Thessalonians 5:18 NLT
Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
Psalm 34:1 NLT
I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak his praises.

When You have a Problem, PRAY.

James 1:5 NIV84
If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.

When You have a Problem, RELAX.

James 1:6 NIV84
But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.
James 1:12 NLT
God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
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