The Promise of Problems

Today's Truth:
"You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good." Genesis 50:20

Friend To Friend
If you are like me, you prefer days when the sun is shining, the sky is blue, and not a cloud in sight. Problems tend to irritate me because they make me realize just how frail I am as a human. But I have come to realize that every problem points to a promise.

Promise of direction
God uses problems to show us the way. We would walk through the wrong door if He didn't close it. "Sometimes it takes a painful situation to make us change our ways." Proverbs 20:30

Promise of correction
God uses problems to correct us. I have come to realize that some lessons can only be learned in the darkness, through pain and failure. "It was the best thing that could have happened to me, for it taught me to pay attention to your laws." Psalm 119:71-72

Promise of protection
A problem can be a blessing in disguise if it keeps you from being hurt by something more serious."You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good." Genesis 50:20

Promise of perfection
Problems, when responded to correctly, are character builders. A female motivation speaker recently spoke for a women's conference that used the theme of "Problems into Pearls." Strands of pearls were everywhere - the center of each table, on the podium from which She spoke, draped across tables - and many of the ladies wore pearls that day. When the worship leader welcomed her, she said, "We have to get you some pearls!" Digging in her purse, she produced the most beautiful pearl necklace and placed it around her neck. As the day went on, She spoke several times, counseled and prayed with numerous women and tried to meet as many women as possible. When everyone had left, the woman came to retrieve her pearl necklace. The speaker was embarrassed. She had worked up quite a sweat with all of that hugging, laughing, talking. She brushed her apology aside and said, "Sweat is good for pearls. It helps them keep their luster."

"We can rejoice when we run into problems ... 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 until finally our hope and faith are strong and steady." Romans 5:3-4

God is at work in and around you. You may not see His hand, hear His voice or even understand His process, but you can rest assured that you can trust His heart. Remember, every problem points to a promise.


• What problem are you facing right now? Put it into words and record it in your journal.
• Pray, surrendering that problem to God and ask Him for the promise it holds.
• What good can come out of the problem you are facing?
• What scripture promise do you claim because of this problem?
• Write that promise on a 3 x 5 card and tuck it in your purse. When the going gets tough, pull out that card and read the verse aloud as a statement of your faith in your Problem-Solving God!