5 Reasons Why God Uses Problems

The problems I face will either defeat me or develop me depending on how I 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 life:

1. God uses problems to DIRECT.
Sometimes God must light a fire under us to get us 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."
Proverbs 20:30

2. God uses problems to INSPECT.
People are like tea bags...if you want to know what's inside them, just drop them into hot water! Is God testing my faith with a problem and what do those problems reveal about me? "When I have many kinds of troubles, I should be full of joy, because I know that these troubles test my faith, and this will give me patience."
James 1:2-3

3. God uses problems to CORRECT.
Some lessons are learned only through pain and failure. It's likely that as a child our parents told us not to touch a hot stove. But we 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."
Psalm 119:71-72

4. God uses problems to PROTECT.
A problem can be a blessing in disguise if it prevents me from being harmed by something more serious. Last year a friend 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 50:20

5. God uses problems to bring PERFECTION.
Problems, when responded to correctly, are character builders. God is far more interested in our character than our comfort. Our relationship to God and our character are the only two things we're going to take with us 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 my life and in yours, even when we do not recognize it or understand it. But it's much easier and profitable when we cooperate with Him. "Success can be measured not only in achievements, but in lessons learned, lives touched and moments shared along the way"

 I carried this around with me for months last year and re-read it. It helped me put my problems in perspective, divine perspective.  I get so lost inside my head, I forget that my head is not the only thing there is! -  Elizabeth