purpose |ˈpəːpəs| noun 1 the reason for which something is done or created or for which something exists: the purpose of her trials were to strengthen her character.
Problems are everywhere in our world. Each day, we are bombarded with our own problems, the issues that our friends and family are going through, and the troubles that arise in our jobs, cities and nation–brought to us daily through the news, coworkers and social media updates.
Problems are inevitable. But, if we can discover how to find purpose within our problems–we will grow stronger, wiser and closer to God.
Rick Warren, the author of the award winning book, The Purpose Driven Life said, “Trusting God completely means having faith that He knows what is best for your life. You expect Him to keep His promises, help you with problems, and do the impossible when necessary.”
Everything in life is designed to help you grow up spiritually–the good, and the bad. Thankfully, God has a way of bringing good out of bad things.
“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” Romans 8:28
Every problem has a purpose, and the purpose is to help you grow up spiritually in Christ.
The whole point of this life is for us to become more like Christ. If we are like Christ, we will bear the fruit of his character…
“He will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control.” Galatians 5:22-23
He doesn’t say that he will produce this kind of fruit in our lives only when things are going good for us. Jesus says clearly in John 16:33 that, “..on earth you will have many trials and sorrows..” but, the good news is that He has overcome the world. He gives us the strength to walk through difficult problems and circumstances, and to come out stronger on the other side.
When going through problems in my own life, I often think of the story of the potter and the clay in Jeremiah Ch. 18. The potter (God) molds the clay (us) on the potter’s wheel. He digs his hands deep into our sides, carving off the excess pieces that are not needed.
Then, as if the carving of the clay isn’t bad enough–the potter takes the soft clay pot, and places it gently–into a fire.
Hot, consuming, hard-to-catch-your-breath–fire.
Just when you feel as if you can take no more, it’s as if the potter says, “Hold on, my beloved. Just a moment longer.”
You see, the fire, or our problems, are not meant to destroy us (as it might seem, at times). They’re meant to strengthen our character, solidifying all the work that the potter has done in our hearts and lives. Though the process is painful, it does have a purpose.
“When troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.” James 1:2-4
God’s desire is that we become more like him. To become holy and righteous–so that His kingdom can be made known on the earth, through you!
“This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” 2 Corinthians 5:17
“So you also should consider yourselves to be dead to the power of sin and alive to God through Christ Jesus. Do not let sin control the way you live; do not give in to sinful desires. Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God. Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace.” Romans 6:11-14
Every situation in your life has the opportunity to make you bitter, or better. You get to choose. Will you allow your problems to have purpose in your life? Or will you wallow in your hurt and pain–only causing yourself more grief as you sulk in your bitterness?
I want to encourage you to trust in the Lord today. Don’t become angry with Him when problems arise in your life. Instead, consider them joy–and ask that He would develop your character and strengthen your heart.
God has an incredible plan for your life. I’m not just saying that, I truly believe it. I know that life can be hard, and that the issues we face can be very painful. I pray today, that you would recognize God’s great love for you. That you would rest in Him when you walk through seasons that make you feel as if you won’t make it through. God is with you, today and always.
Trust in Him, and keep going.
XO-
Sabrina