Problems are a part of life. Because of the curse of sin, problems are woven into the fabric of everyday life. Throughout the Bible men and women of great faith had deep trials. We too see this truth demonstrated in our own personal lives. When we face problems, it doesn’t mean that we are lacking faith, “out of the will of God,” or that God is angry with us. As children of God, we all must face and deal with problems.
Problems come from a variety of sources. They can come through:
• Satanic assault
• A violation of God’s principles (bad choices)
• Simply living in a fallen creation
• Persecution due to our godly lives
But did you know that there is a blessing and benefit in problems?
God’s ultimate desire for us is to be conformed into the image of Jesus Christ (Rom. 8:28-29). He wants us to reflect Christ’s glory in all that we do. Problems can play a key role in this glorification process. Read Heb. 2:9-10; 1 Pet. 1:11. Jesus is full of glory at the right hand of the Father, but that glory did not come cheaply or easily.
That glory was preceded by suffering (Heb. 12:2-3). Our path is the same as our Savior’s. If we are to manifest His glory on earth, it will come through some amount of suffering and problems. (Rom. 8:17-18; 2 Cor. 4:8-11)
We must remember and understand that our ultimate goal is to reveal Christ’s glory in the heavenlies. This is why God does not insulate His children from the problems of life. Problems and suffering remind us that this earthly life is not the real deal; it is simply preparation ground for something far better. (2 Cor. 4:16-18; Col. 3:1-4)