The Value of Problems

 An injury sustained in a car accident can be a good thing. Doctors taking x-rays to discover the extent of the damage can discover other lurking problems that might have remained hidden until they were too far developed. God can use problems to bring about good results spiritually.

 God uses problems to correct. The singer of Israel wrote, “Before I was afflicted I went astray, But now I keep Your word” (Psalm 119:67). He also said, “It is good for me that I have been afflicted, That I may learn Your statutes. The law of Your mouth is better to me Than thousands of coins of gold and silver” (Psalm 119:71-72). Our heavenly Father can use troubles to chasten us and bring forth good fruit (Proverbs 20:30; Hebrews 12:5-6).

 God uses problems to bless. “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing” (James 1:2-4). God can use problems to produce maturity in the suffering individual, which is the meaning of “perfect.” Overcoming trials is a means of developing hope (Romans 5:3-5). That is why we need to focus on hearing God’s word and doing what it says (James 1:21-25).

 God also uses problems to deliver. Joseph’s words to his brothers show how that works. “But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive” (Genesis 50:20). Paul had to learn God could show his strength in delivering the apostle from his thorn in the flesh (2 Corinthians 12:9). The Almighty used the suffering of his Son to give us the means of being delivered from our sins. “He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities (Isaiah 53:5a).

 The next time we face trouble, we should look for the ways God might use it for our good.

 Gary C. Hampton