God's Purpose Behind Your Problems

God's Purpose Behind Your Problems

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.

Psalm 119:71-72

Psalm 119:71–72 KJV 1900

71 It is good for me that I have been afflicted; That I might learn thy statutes. 72 The law of thy mouth is better unto me Than thousands of gold and silver.

Life is a series of problem-solving opportunities. The problems you face will either defeat you or develop you - depending on how you respond to them. Unfortunately, most people fail to see how God wants to use problems for good in their lives. They react foolishly and resent their problems rather than pausing to consider what benefit they might bring. Here are five ways God wants to use the problems in your life: 1. God uses problems to Bring DIRECTION -

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. Is God trying to get your attention? "Sometimes it takes a painful situation to make us change our ways." Pr. 20:30

Proverbs 20:30 KJV 1900

30 The blueness of a wound cleanseth away evil: So do stripes the inward parts of the belly.

2. God uses problems to INSPECTION -

People are like teabags if you want to know what's inside them, just drop them into hot water! Has God ever tested your faith with a problem? What do problems reveal about you? When you have many kinds of troubles, you should be full of joy, because you know that these troubles test your faith, and this will give you patience. (James 1:2-3,

James 1:2–3 KJV 1900

2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

3. God uses problems to CORRECTION -

Some lessons we learn only through pain and failure. It's likely that as a child your parents told you not to touch a hot stove. But you probably learned by being burned. Sometimes we only learn the value of something - health, money, a relationship - by losing it. It was the best thing that could have happened to me, for it taught me to pay attention to your laws. (Ps. 119:71-72,

Psalm 119:71–72 KJV 1900

71 It is good for me that I have been afflicted; That I might learn thy statutes. 72 The law of thy mouth is better unto me Than thousands of gold and silver.

4. God uses problems to Bring PROTECTION -

A problem can be a blessing in disguise if it prevents you from being harmed by something more serious. 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 actions were uncovered. You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good . (Gen. 50:20,

Genesis 50:20 KJV 1900

20 But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.

5. God uses problems to PERFECTION. -

Problems, when responded to correctly, are character builders. God is far more interested in your character than your comfort. Your relationship to God and your character are the only two things you're going to take with you into eternity. We can rejoice when we run into problems they help us learn to be patient. And patience develops strength of character in us and helps us trust God more each time we use it until finally our hope and faith are strong and steady. (Rom. 5:3-4,

Romans 5:3–4 KJV 1900

3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope:

Here's the point: God is at work in your life - even when you do not recognize it or understand it. But it's much easier and profitable when you cooperate with Him!

Psalm 119:71–72 KJV 1900

71 It is good for me that I have been afflicted; That I might learn thy statutes. 72 The law of thy mouth is better unto me Than thousands of gold and silver.

Psalm 119:71–72 KJV 1900

71 It is good for me that I have been afflicted; That I might learn thy statutes. 72 The law of thy mouth is better unto me Than thousands of gold and silver.

Psalm 119:71–72 KJV 1900

71 It is good for me that I have been afflicted; That I might learn thy statutes. 72 The law of thy mouth is better unto me Than thousands of gold and silver.

Psalm 119:71–72 KJV 1900

71 It is good for me that I have been afflicted; That I might learn thy statutes. 72 The law of thy mouth is better unto me Than thousands of gold and silver.