Transformed by Trouble

• God uses circumstances to develop our character
  
  
  
  • He uses them more than us reading the Bible, to make us more Christlike
  
  
• life is a series of problems


• problems are normal
  
  
  
  • "Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trail you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you." 1 Peter 4:12
  
  
• God uses problems to draw you closer to Him
  
  
  
  • "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." Psalm 34:18
  
  
• problems force us to look to God and depend on Him instead of ourselves


• problems are just incidents in God's plan for you
  
  
  
  • "We know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son." Romans 8:28-29
  
  
• much of what happens on Earth is evil and bad, but God specialises in bringing good out of it


• everything God allows to happen to us is for His purpose for us - to be more Christlike
  
  
  
  • "Not only so, but we also rejoice in our suffering, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope." Romans 5:3-4
  
  
• circumstances are temporary, but character lasts forever


• since God wants to make us like Jesus, God will take us through the same experiences Jesus went through
  
  
  
  • "Now if we are children, then we are heirs - heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory." Romans 8:17

Responding to Problems as Jesus would

1. remember that God's plan is good

• For I know the plans I have for you, " declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jer 29:11


• the secret of endurance is to remember that your pain is temporary but your reward will be eternal

2. rejoice and give thanks

• thank Him that He will use your problems to fulfil his purposes

3. refuse to give up

• "...because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:3-4


• if you are facing trouble, don't ask, "Why me?". Instead, ask, "What do you want me to learn?"