Problems

How can I learn and grow from my problems?

God’s Response

We try to live in such a way that no one will be hindered from finding the Lord by the way we act. . . . We patiently endure troubles and hardships and calamities of every kind. . . . We have proved ourselves by our purity, our understanding, our patience, our kindness, our sincere love, and the power of the Holy Spirit. We have faithfully preached the truth. God’s power has been working in us. . . . We serve God whether people honor us or despise us, whether they slander us or praise us. . . . Our hearts ache, but we always have joy. We are poor, but we give spiritual riches to others. We own nothing, and yet we have everything. 2 Corinthians 6:3-8, 10

We grow the most when we have problems, because that is when our character is stretched. We have to develop patience, purity, kindness, and a host of other Christlike character traits while dealing with a problem. That’s a tall order, but if we endure, we will come out stronger and better prepared when the next problem rolls along.

God’s Promise

God blesses the people who patiently endure testing. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. James 1:12