I received this from another friend online, and wanted to share it. If nothing else, I hope it starts you thinking: do you agree? Why or Why Not? :) (She didn't know who authored this; if you know, please let me know so I can acredit him/her!)
5 Reasons God Permits Problems
The problems 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 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 reasons God may have permitted the problems for
experience in your life:
1. God permits problems to DIRECT you.
Sometimes God must light a fire under you to get you moving. Problems often point us in a new direction and motivate us to change. Is God allowing this situation to get your attention? 'Sometimes it takes a painful situation to make us change our ways.' Proverbs 20:30
Sometimes God must light a fire under you to get you moving. Problems often point us in a new direction and motivate us to change. Is God allowing this situation to get your attention? 'Sometimes it takes a painful situation to make us change our ways.' Proverbs 20:30
2. God permits problems to INSPECT you.
People are like tea bags ... If you want to know what's inside them, just drop them into hot water! Has God tested your faith by alowing a problem or two into your life? What do problems reveal about you? 'When you have many kinds of troubles, you should b full of joy, because you know that these troubles test your faith, and this will give you patience.' James 1:2-3
People are like tea bags ... If you want to know what's inside them, just drop them into hot water! Has God tested your faith by alowing a problem or two into your life? What do problems reveal about you? 'When you have many kinds of troubles, you should b full of joy, 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 only through pain and failure. It's likely that as a child your parents told you not to touch a hot stove. But you 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.' Psalms 119:71-72
Some lessons we learn only through pain and failure. It's likely that as a child your parents told you not to touch a hot stove. But you 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.' Psalms 119:71-72
4. God permits problems to PROTECT you.
A problem can be a blessing in disguise if it prevents you 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
A problem can be a blessing in disguise if it prevents you 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 permits problems to PERFECT you.
Problems, when responded to 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're 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 us trust God more each time we use it until finally our hope and faith are strong and steady.' Romans 5:3-4
Problems, when responded to 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're 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 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 your life-even when you do not recognize it or understand it. But it's much easier and profitable when you cooperate with Him.
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This Thing is From Me
"This thing is from me" (1 Kings 12:24). "Life's disappointments are veiled love's appointments."
My child, I have a message for you today; let me whisper it in your ear, that it may gild with glory any storm clouds which may arise, and smooth the rough places upon which you may have to tread. It is short, only five words, but let them sink into your inmost soul; use them as a pillow upon which to rest your weary head. This thing is from Me.
Have you ever thought of it, that all that concerns you concerns Me too? For, "he that toucheth you, toucheth the apple of mine eye" (Zech. 2:8). You are very precious in My sight. (Isa. 43:4) Therefore, it is My special delight to educate you. I would have you learn when temptations assail you, and the "enemy comes in like a flood," that this thing is from Me, that your weakness needs My might, and your safety lies in letting Me fight for you.
Are you in difficult circumstances, surrounded by people who do not understand you, who never consult your taste, who put you in the background? This thing is from Me. I am the God of circumstances. Thou camest not to thy place by accident, it is the very place God meant for thee. Have you not asked to be made humble? See then, I have placed you in the very school where this lesson is taught; your surroundings and companions are only working out My will. Are you in money difficulties? Is it hard to make both ends meet? This thing is from Me, for I am your purse-bearer and would have you draw from and depend upon Me. My supplies are limitless (Phil.4:19). I would have you prove my promises. Let it not be said of you, "In this thing ye did not believe the Lord your God" (Deut. 1:32). Are you passing through a night of sorrow? This thing is from Me. I am the Man of Sorrows and acquainted with grief. I have let earthly comforters fail you, that by turning to Me you may obtain everlasting consolation (2 Thess. 2:16, 17).
Have you longed to do some great work for Me and instead have been laid aside on a bed of pain and weakness? This thing is from Me. I could not get your attention in your busy days and I want to teach you some of my deepest lessons. "They also serve who only stand and wait." Some of My greatest workers are those shut out from active service, that they may learn to wield the weapon of all--prayer. This day I place in your hand this pot of holy oil. Make use of it free, my child. Let every circumstance that arises, every word that pains you, every interruption that would make you impatient, every revelation of your weakness be anointed with it. The sting will go as you learn to see Me in all things.
Laura A. Barter Snow:
"'This is from Me,' the Saviour said, As bending low He kissed my brow, 'For One who loves you thus has led. Just rest in Me, be patient now, Your Father knows you have need of this, Tho', why perchance you cannot see. Grieve not for things you've seemed to miss. The thing I send is best for thee.' "Then, looking through my tears, I plead, 'Dear Lord, forgive, I did not know, 'Twill not be hard since Thou dost tread, Each path before me here below. And for my good this thing must be, His grace sufficient for each test. So still I'll sing, "Whatever be God's way for me is always best."'"
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