WHY BAD THINGS HAPPEN TO GOOD PEOPLE

1 Cor. 10:13 “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”

The problems you face in your life will either defeat you or develop you – depending on how you respond to them. Unfortunately, most people fail to see how God desires to use the problems we face for good in their lives. They tend to react foolishly and resent their problems rather than pausing to consider what benefit these problems might bring.

Remember, God never allows us to be tested beyond what He knows we can handle (I Cor. 10:13).

Five ways God desires to use the problems in your life:

God uses problems to DIRECT you ( 1 Peter 1:6-7)

Sometimes God must light a fire under you to get you moving. Problems often point us in a new direction and motivate us to change. Is God trying to get your attention? Sometimes it takes a painful situation to make us change our ways. Under God's will, adversity may come:

• as a test to strengthen our faith (I Peter 1:6-7)
• as a test to strengthen our actions (I Cor. 3:13-15)
• as a preparation for us to comfort others (II Cor. 1:3-5)
• to manifest the life of Christ (II Cor. 4:8-10, 12, 16)

God uses problems to INSPECT you (James 1:2-4)

People are like tea bags...if you want to see what's inside of them just drop them into hot water! Has God tested your faith with a problem? What do problems reveal about you?

Our faith can only reach full maturity when faced with difficulties and opposition. Trials are sometimes brought into a believer's life so that God can test his faith. Scripture no where teaches that troubles in life are always an indication that God is displeased with us. Troubles can be a sign that He recognizes our firm commitment to Him (Job 1-2).

God uses problems to CORRECT you (Psalm 119: 67, 71)

Some lessons we only learn through pain and failure. It is likely that as a child your parents told you not to touch a hot stove. But you probably learned by being burned. Sometimes we only learn the value of something by losing it (health, money, a relationship, etc.)

God uses problems to PROTECT you (Genesis 50:20)

A problem can be a blessing in disguise if it prevents you from being harmed by something more serious. Several years ago, a man was fired from his job for refusing to do something unethical that his boss had asked him to do. His unemployment was a problem – but it saved him from being convicted and sent to prison a year later when management's actions were discovered.

God uses problems to PERFECT you (Romans 5:3-4)

Problems, when responded to correctly, are character builders. God is far more interested in your character than your comfort. Your relationship with God and your character are the only two things you're going to take with you into eternity. We can rejoice when we run into problems...they can help us learn to be patient. 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.

Here's the point: God is at work in your life – even when you don't recognize it or

understand it. It's much easier and profitable when you cooperate with Him. Success can be measured not only in achievements, but in lessons learned, lives touched and moments shared along the way. When we get to Heaven, what could be more wonderful than to be greeted by someone who says, “I'm so happy to see you...you know I would not be here if it weren't for you.

The next time you face a problem, ask your self what God is doing in you.  

Until next time...enjoy the journey!

Ray

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