- To increase our surrender or dependability : (Ps.119:67): Before I was afflicted I went astray, But now I keep Your word.
It may be Financial problems, Personal problems, family conflict, emotional, social.
The questions that we should ask at that time are
- Do we turn to God or away from God when problems come?
- Does God allows us to have trials and testing to increase our surrender.
2. To insure our stability – (1 Pet 5:6-10): Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, {7} casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. {8} Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. {9} Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. {10} But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.
- Plants that have no resistance are easily uprooted.
- Plants which are provided with water without having roots lack strong root systems.
- If we don’t face trials and problems we will be easily discouraged at the least problem since we haven’t developed stability.
- God allows us to have trials and problems to increase our stability.
3. To inspire others who are struggling: – (Phil 1:12-14): But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, {13} so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ; {14} and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.
- When others saw Paul enduring imprisonment and yet continued preaching, it encouraged them.
- We can be a strength and encouragement to others if they see that we remain faithful in spite of our trials and problems.
- God allows us to have trials and problems so that we can be an inspiration to others who struggle.
4. To invoke or put to action our service: – (Psa 118:17-18): I shall not die, but live, And declare the works of the LORD. {18} The LORD has chastened me severely, But He has not given me over to death.
- Sometimes people give up and quit when they face trials. We have seen the example of Ruth.
- We must rise to the challenge when we face trials and problems.
- Trials and problems should be used as stepping stones, not stumbling blocks.
- God allows trials and problems to invoke us to service.
5. To introduce our speciality or talent – (Jam. 1:2-4): My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, {3} knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. {4} But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
- God has something special for each of us to do in our lives.
- Sometimes we must patiently wait for that talent to be developed and have opportunity to use them.
- The apostles were trained by Jesus for three years before they began work on their own.
- Many times our specialty lies in the area in which we have overcome the most problems.
- God allows our trials and problems to introduce our specialty or talents to others.
Conclusion: Please ask yourselves the following questions.
- How have you reacted to trials and problems in your life?
- Have the trials increased your surrender?
- Have the trials insured your stability?
- Have the trials inspired others who are struggling ?
- Have the trials invoked or put you to service?
- Have the trials introduced your specialty talents to others?