The pain of life can be overwhelming at times. We feel like we’ve been tried, convicted and imprisioned. Problems can be confining, reduct our optimism and rob us of hope. Focusing on the problem just causes you to remain in a cage with no hope, but if you start seeing the problem from a new perspective, God’s perspective you can gain from the experience and God will use it for good. Though God doesn’t cause the problems, he does use the trouble, the pain, the disruption to get our attention. It can take us to a better place, free us, and save us. No matter who or what caused the problem, God wants to use it for good.

Scriptures

Job 36:15-16; 1 Pt 4:12-13; Pr 16:9, 20:30; Je 17:10; Pr 16:2; Is 48:10; Hb 12:8, 10; Ps 119:71; 1 Pt 3:17; Gn 50:20; Pr 20:24; Ro 5:3-4

Verses

Friends, when life really gets difficult don’t jump to the conclusion that God isn’t on the job. Instead be glad that youa re in the very thick of what Christ experienced. This is a spiritual refining process with glory just around the corner. (1 Pt 4:12-13) The Lord directs our steps, so why try to understand everything along the way? (Pr 20:24)

Thought

When troubles come the first thing you must do is to 1) Seek God’s perspective. Let God know that He has your attention. You may have a plan in place and be well on your way, then a big problem gets dropped right in the middle of things. God may be using this situation to take you in a new direction. Seek God’s will and allow Him to redirect your path. Trust that He knows what’s best for you. Sometimes it takes a painful experience to bring about change. 2) Realize that the way you handle your troubles reveals your character, integrity, and motives. God uses pain to examine your life and to see what’s inside. We are often ok if things just look good on the outside, but God looks at the heart. Troubles and pain will reveal what you are made of. Ask yourself, “What does this problem reveal about me?” 3) Accept that God can use this situation to refine you. He uses suffering, pain and problems to burn off the impurities in your life. Maybe God wants to burn off selfishness, pride, get a handle on your impatience or greed. How you practice your faith in the midst of trials will reveal if what you profess about your faith is true. Ask yourself, “What is this problem teaching me?” 4) Exchange your problem for God’s protection. Trusting that God has your best interest at heart can be very hard, but it may be that a closed door keeps you from being in a bad situation. Although heartache and heartbreak may seem to have no reason, faith in God’s sovereignty and love will reassure you that God has this well in hand and it will all be for your good. The question is, “Will you trust God?”

Questions

Do you allow troubles and problems to keep you down? What is your first response to an unexpected, unwanted, troublesome situation? What is your second response? When has a problem caused you to change directions? How did that turn out? How has a difficulty you’ve experienced changed you? Did it make you better? If so, explain. Can you look back and see times when a problem turned out to be a blessing in disguise? Explain.

Response

Reflect on God’s care through past times of difficulty. Consider how your perspective affected the situation. Did you trust God through the situation? No matter what is going on in your life, take a look at each problem and strive to see God’s perspective. How can this situation be used for good. How can it change you, refine you? Decide to trust God and allow him to use whatever you are going through for your good.

Prayer

Dear Lord, allow my faith to grow as I trust you in each and every situation, problem, and trial of life. I know that you can and will bring it all together for my good if I fully trust you. In Jesus Name I pray, amen.