Problems. Let’s face it life is full of them, and no one is immune from having to deal with them. How we view them, however, can often make or break us, and they can have a major impact on our emotional and mental well-being.
I have learned over the years, as a Christian, more and more that when problems and trials come my way, rather than complain and get emotionally down, to follow the wonderful advice of Scripture that we read in (James 1:2-4): “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”
Apologist Lee Strobel adds interesting insight here when he shared: “The universe is a soul making machine, and part of that process is learning, maturing, and growing through difficult and challenging and painful experiences. The point of our lives in this world isn’t comfort, but training and preparation for eternity.”1
Our role is to trust God that He will use our problems in unique ways if we just turn them over to Him. So, rather than question God when problems and trials come our way, with the refrain: “why me,” I much prefer to ask God how can I use these negatives to bless others and make me a God glorifying vessel. I believe that when problems comes our way we need to trust God that He has a divine plan for ultimate good.
I like how Chuck Swindoll put it: “We are all faced with a series of great opportunities brilliantly disguised as impossible situations.”2 We need to realize that God allows us to turn any and all of the problems we face in life into opportunities to bring Him glory by enduring them and hopefully triumphing over them.
My friends if God can turn the very worst thing in history, the death of Jesus, into the very best thing in history, our salvation, He can take your biggest problems and use them to bless others and bless you!
In closing, I challenge you to take the advice of Corrie Ten Boom who wisely once said: “Let God’s promises shine on your problems.”3
1 10 benefits of pain you didn’t know (ghanaweb.com)
2 33 Chuck Swindoll Quotes | ChristianQuotes.info
3 Corrie Ten Boom – Let God’s promises shine on your… (brainyquote.com)
Turn your “lemons” ( problems) into lemonade