SEEING GOD’S PURPOSE IN MY PROBLEMS Seeing Through God’s Eyes “Friends, when life gets really difficult, don’t jump to the conclusion that God isn’t on the job. Instead, be glad that you are in the very thick of what Christ experienced. This is a spiritual refining process, with glory just around the corner.” 1 Peter 4:12-13 (Msg) “He takes no pleasure in making life hard, in throwing roadblocks in the way.” Lam. 3:33 (Msg) 1. GOD USES PROBLEMS TO DIRECT US. “A person may plan his own journey, but the Lord directs his steps.” Pr. 16:9 (GW) “Sometimes it takes a painful experience to make us change our ways.” Pr. 20:30 (GN) “I have thought about my life, and I have directed my feet back to Your written instructions.” Ps 119:59 (GW) “I am glad ... not because it hurt you but because the pain turned you to God....” 2 Cor 7:9 (LB) 2. GOD USES PROBLEMS TO INSPECT US. “The Lord searches our hearts and examines our deepest motives so He can give to each person his right reward, according to his deeds — how he has lived.” Jer. 17:10 (LB) “You (God) inspect them every morning and test them every minute.” Job 7:18 (TEV) “Humans are satisfied with whatever looks good; but God probes for what is good.” Pr. 16:2 (Msg) “God led you all the way in the desert these forty years, to humble you and to test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep His commands.” Deut. 8:2 (NIV) “I have tested you in the fire of suffering.” Isa. 48:10a (TEV) 3. GOD USES PROBLEMS TO CORRECT US. “God corrects all of His children, and if He doesn’t correct you, then you don’t really belong to Him… God corrects us for our own good, because He wants us to be holy, as He is.” Heb. 12:8-10 (CEV) “Consider yourself fortunate God all-powerful chooses to correct you.” Job 5:17 (CEV) “God teaches people through suffering and uses distress to open their eyes.” Job 36:15 (TEV) “...it was the best thing that could have happened to me, for it taught me to pay attention to Your laws.” Ps. 119:71 (LB) 4. GOD USES PROBLEMS TO PROTECT US. “God will save you from hidden traps.” Ps. 91:3a (NCV) “God has led you away from danger, giving you freedom.” Job 36:16 (NLT) “It is better to suffer for doing good than for doing wrong ...” 1 Peter 3:17 (NCV) “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good...” Gen. 50:20 (NIV) “Since the Lord is directing our steps, why try to understand everything that happens along the way?” Pr. 20:24 (LB) 5. GOD USES PROBLEMS TO PERFECT US . “After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who calls you to share His eternal glory in union with Christ, will Himself perfect you and give you firmness, strength, and a sure foundation.” 1 Peter 5:10 (TEV) “These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us.” 2 Cor. 4:17 (Msg) “We can rejoice 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...” Rom. 5:3-4 (LB)
Posted on: Thu, 22 Aug 2013 01:43:48 +0000
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