What Troubles Accomplish

by HJS

Trouble is not a single terrorist who quietly stalks you in the night; it rather comes as a series of frontal attacks.

Consider the following ways God uses difficulties for your benefit:

God uses trouble to redirect your life. Sometimes it takes some knocks for you to get moving in a different direction. Joseph was in big trouble when his brothers sold him to Midianite traders, who in turn, sold him into slavery in Egypt. Many years later, through an incredible series of events, Joseph became Prime Minister. When he faced his brothers again, he said, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives" (Genesis 50:20).

God uses trouble to correct your failures. At times we have no responsibility for difficulty and trouble. At other times we are completely responsible, and a loving God allows the weight of our failures to speak to us so we do right. The psalmist cried out, "Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey your word" (Psalm 119:67).

God uses trouble to refine and purify your life. Trouble and difficulty do for you what fire does for silver.

A paraphrase of what Paul wrote to the Romans puts it so well. he said, "We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us - 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 TLB).

Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey your word.  PSALM 119:67