Transformed By Trouble

God has a purpose behind every problem.  You should expect four kinds of problems in life:

• Trials are designed by God to draw us closer to him and build our character.  Temptations are designed by the Devil to draw us away from God and destroy our character. 
• Trespasses are hurts caused by the sins of others. 
• Troubles are usually, but not always, the consequences of our own sinful choices. 

When you face a problem, try to determine the source first.  If the trouble is your own fault, you should repent of it.  If it is a temptation from Satan, you should resist it.  If it is a trespass against you by others you need to release it through forgiveness.  But if the problem is a trial from God, you need to relax and trust God in it.  Regardless of the source, none of your problems could happen without God's permission.  Everything that happens in the life of a child of God is Father-filtered, and he intends to use it for good.

Everything that God allows to happen in your life is permitted for one great, eternal purpose: to conform your character to the image of Christ.  It is for your growth and God's glory, and it is a plan guaranteed to succeed.  It will be completed when you get to heaven.  The Bible says Jesus "learned obedience through suffering" (Heb 5:8 KJV).  We grow the same way, and Jesus is our model.  We go through exactly what Christ goes through.  If we go through the hard times with him, then we're certainly going to go through the good times with him (Romans 8:17 MSG).

Dear God of all comfort, help me to remember that there is a 

loving purpose behind every problem that you allow in my life. 

Teach me to respond to the difficulties the way Jesus would. 

Cultivate my character through the circumstances of life. 

Help me to trust your purpose in my pain. 

The Purpose-DrivenⓇ Life Journal

day 25