"LIFE IS A SERIES OF PROBLEMS"
The problems we face will either defeat us or develop us -- depending on how we respond to them. Unfortunately most of us fail to see how Jehovah wants to use problems for good in our lives. We react foolishly and resent our problems rather than pausing to consider what benefit they might bring. Here are five ways Jehovah wants us to use problems in our life:
Jehovah uses problems to DIRECT us. Sometimes Jehovah must light a fire under us to get us moving. Problems often point us in a new direction and motivate us to change. Is Jehovah trying to get our attention? "Blows that hurt cleanse away evil, as do stripes the inner depths of the heart". Proverbs 20:30 (NKJV)
Jehovah uses problems to INSPECT us. We are like a tea bag ...... if we want to know what's inside it, just drop it into hot water! Has Jehovah ever tested our faith with a problem??? What do poblems reveal about us? "My brothers, whenever you have to face trails of many kinds, count yourselves supremely happy, in the knowledge that such testing of your faith breeds fortitude, and if you give fortitude full play you will go on to complete a balanced character that will fall short in nothing." James 1:2-3 (NEV)
Jehovah uses problems to CORRECT us. Some lessons we learn 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. "How good it is for me to have been punished, to school me in thy statues!" Psalm 119:71 (NEV)
Jehovah uses problems to PROTECT us. A problem can be a blessing in disguise IF it prevents us 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. (No, he was not a Jehvoah's Witness!!!!!!!!) His unemployment was a problem -- but it saved him form being convicted and sent to prison a year later when management's actions were eventually discovered. " Genesis 50:20 "You meant to do me harm; but God meant to bring good out of it people, as we see today." (NEV)
Jehovah uses problems to PERFECT us. Problems, when responded to correctly, are character builders. Jehovah is far more interested in our character than our comfort. Our relationship to Jehovah and our character (not an organiztion) are the only two things we're going to take with us into eternity. Romans 5:3-4, "More than that, we rejoice in our suffering, knowing that suffering produces character, and character porduces hope," (RSV)
Here's the point, brothers and sisters: Jehovah God is at work in our lives -- even when we do not recognize it or understand it. But it's much easier and profitable when we do. He is also in the lives of people who wield authority over others unjustly. If they abuse this authority it may cause us much grief, but remember THEY are also under inspection and judgment. Will we throw away our values because someone else does us wrong or will it cause us to cling more to what we know is right and to our God Jehovah who allows these problems and will one day right ALL wrongs.
DA