Thank God for Problems, Really

No, the title isn’t a typo!

Have you ever stopped to think about why we should thank God for problems? It might seem counterintuitive at first, but let's dive into Psalm 34:19: "Many are the afflictions of the righteous…" This scripture makes it pretty clear that the ‘righteous’ aren’t exempt from problems and, ironically, are recipients of ‘many afflictions.’

In this world, problems are as common as the air we breathe. And here's the thing – even the heroes of the Bible, like Joseph, Moses, Job, David, Paul, Daniel, Esther, and Ruth, to name a few, faced their fair share of problems. A qualifying criterion to make it to the ‘Champions List’ in the Bible is the ability to persevere through life’s challenges.

Now, it's no secret that problems aren't exactly pleasant. They make us uncomfortable. Problems hurt, and push us to our limits. But here's the kicker – they're actually working something good in us. Yes, you heard that right.

The apostle Paul sheds light on this in 2 Corinthians 4:17: "For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison."

So, let's embark on this journey of understanding why thanking God for problems might be one of the wisest things we can do. Believe it or not, problems have a purpose – to sculpt us into the person God has created us to become.

Stay tuned as we explore how problems are more than just bumps in the road and how they can lead us toward greater growth and blessings.

Father God, I don’t get to choose the course of life’s journey, but I choose to follow the Good Shepherd. Give me the strength to walk the path You have set for me. I thank You that You are mindful of me.

In Jesus’ Name

Amen