Virtuous 0 Posted August 24, 2009 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 DIRECT you. 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? "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not unto your own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-62. God uses problems to INSPECT you. People are like tea bags... if you want to know what's inside them, just drop them into hot water! Has God 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 1:2-33. God uses problems to CORRECT you. 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 by losing it. "It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes." Psalm 119:724. God uses problems to PROTECT you. A problem can be a blessing in disguise if it prevents you from being harmed by something more serious. Last year someone was fired for refusing to do something unethical that his boss had asked him to do. His unemployment was a problem - but it saved him from being convicted and sent to prison a year later when management's actions were eventually discovered. "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good" Genesis 50:205. God uses problems to PERFECT you. 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." Romans 5:3-4* Here's the point: God is at work in your life - even when you don't recognize it or understand it. But it's so much easier when you surrender to his plan for your life. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cholette 0 Posted August 24, 2009 OH GOD...I DEFINTATELY CAN RELATE!! This is one of the hardest seasons of my life right now. It has been one thing after the other HOWEVER I've been learning about the Love of God. I'm focused more on how much He loves me than the issues I am facing. The Bible says in 1 John 4 that perfect love casts out fear. When I know that God loves me then I won't be fearful of my circumstances or what will come of them.Thanks V for sharing this. I like the "tea bag" analogy because being put in hot water will DEFINATELY show God what is inside of me. I can honestly say that as I grow more and more in His word, that hot water isn't as "dirty" as it has been in the past. I am FAR from being perfect and I definately have NOT arrived, but I am growing and I have to thank the Lord for that. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Virtuous 0 Posted August 24, 2009 I know what you mean Cholette. I know I'm not perfect. I know I'm not where I should be BUT THANK GOD I'm not where I used to be! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
HisLightbeam 0 Posted August 24, 2009 Seems like I have heard this sermon before. God and His reminders...LOL> I can definitely relate, Virtuous. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dreamster 0 Posted August 25, 2009 well dun virtueus,,,u can teach aswell.. wiv all my trials im expecting 2 be made a saint any day now,,,hmmm saint drmsta...watta u fink.. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Virtuous 0 Posted August 25, 2009 I guess I should've clarified something. This is not my work. It was sent to me in an email a few years back and I saved it to my files. I look at it from time to time and decided to post it. I don't want to take credit for work that does not belong to me. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dreamster 0 Posted August 26, 2009 still good,,admin perhaps,, Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Linda Irish 0 Posted November 17, 2009 Good Words thanks for sharing...All things work together for good for those who love the Lord and are called together for His purpose.... Everytime i lose my keys or lock them in my car....I ponder If God is keeping me from some car accident or bigger problem....I hope I am getting better at trusting that He's always got my back...God is good that way, we just don't always see it amen? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dove-Solutions 0 Posted November 17, 2009 Excellent V, Excellent! I so agree with you! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
traveller 0 Posted November 17, 2009 AMEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I can sooo relate to this right now:-) Thanx4 sharing! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
HisLightbeam 0 Posted November 25, 2009 V, I came back to copy this thang and pass it on! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
