The Purpose in Our Problems

If you're going through something that you don't think will pass, or you've gone through it before, welcome to the club. We've all had to endure something that involved pain, heartache, loss, etc and we think that the Lord is out to get us or if the problem seems to be longer than expected, that He's forgotten about us. Not at all.

But it could be that the reason why God allows problems into our lives is possibly because it's bigger than we can think. Yes, enduring problems can be difficult, painful and dreading but we must remember that there is a reason for everything, good or bad.

"We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed." ~ 2 Corinthians 4:8-9

I love this verse because it says that even though we are going through problems, God is still with us. He will never leave you to go through something alone, He knows just what to do. The Lord said we will go through troubles, but He already has overcome them. You will go through troubles, but God will deliver you through them. You will be pressured, but He won't let you stay under. You will be attacked, but He won't leave you to fight on your own; He will fight for you. You may stumble, but He won't let you fall; He will lift you up with His right hand.

"we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope." ~ Romans 5:3-4

I understand in the midst of storms, it can be hard to have joy at first, but this is a unique kind of joy. It's a joy of what the Lord is doing through the suffering of trials. God wants to toughen you up! He is preparing you for what He has called you to do and for the challenges that are ahead in your life. God wants to test our faith and prepare us for what He has called us to do. And at the same time, He's also working on our hearts.

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." ~ James 1:2-4

He also wants us to exercise our faith. Mopping around, complaining about how bad the situation is, giving attitude, wishing that things were better isn't going to make anything better. It just robs you of your joy and peace of mind. But if we focus on God rather than our problems, the outlook and perspective of the situation will change. It's not about the situation, it's about how you respond to it. And how we respond, matters.

It's not about the situation, it's about how you respond to it. And how we respond, matters.

It's usually our trials that make us into who God created us to be. The problems and circumstances in our lives allows us to grow. They lead us closer to God, showing us how much we really need Him. It is in our trials where our prayer life is strengthened and our relationship with God is deepened and brought to a new level. Put the focus on God rather than your circumstances. Trust in Him, even when you don't understand.

Sometimes we feel that because of our present circumstances, God doesn't have a plan for us, that the plans He has for us are canceled out. Wrong. Despite our circumstances, God still has a plan for you; the problems are just a part of it that'll lead you to the His great plans. There is a purpose in your problems, we must be willing to seek and learn from them. It's just another chapter, not the end of your story.

Dear Lord,

Thank you for reminding us that no matter what goes on in our lives, You will never leave us and are still a good God. Help us to trust in You fully and may You replace sorrow with joy, fear with faith and worry with peace. Help us to always remember that You are working things for our good even if we can't see it. Give us courage to move forward despite our circumstances. In Your name I pray, Amen.

Keep praying. Believe that God is for you, with you, and not against you. Have faith, even when it gets hard. Be patient, and hold on to God. He will see you through it. Praying for y'all. God bless loves.