FIVE WAYS GOD USES PROBLEMS

The problem 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 rather than pausing to consider what they might
bring. Here are 5 ways God wants to use the problems in your life:

1. God uses problems to DIRECT you. Sometimes God must light fire in
you to get you moving. Problems often point us in a new direction and
motivate us to change. Is God trying to get your own attention? "Trust in
the Lord with all your heart; and lean not on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths."
Proverbs 3:5-6

2. God uses problems to INSPECT you. People are like tea bugs. 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 because you
know that these troubles test your faith, and this will give you
patience." James 1:2-3

3. God uses problems to CORRECT you. Some lessons we learn through pain
and failure. It's likely that as a child your parents told you not to
touch a stove. But you probably learned by being burned. Sometimes we
learned the value of something by losing it. "It is good for me that I
have been afflicted; that I might learn your statutes." Psalm 119:71

4. God uses problems to PROTECT you. A problem can be a blessing  in
disguise if it prevents you from being harmed by something serious. Last
year a friend was fired for refusing to do something 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 50:20

5. God uses problems to PERFECT you. Problems, when responded too
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 are 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 trust
God more each time we use it until finally  our hope and faith are strong
and steady." Romans 5:3-4             


JOYFUL LIVING
Is not appearing right
To get the spotlight,
But doing what is right
To give light.