Problems Are Opportunities

In our discipleship course at Calvary Chapel Sydney, one of the materials we use is the Self-Confrontation Manual developed by John C. Broger.  One of the major points of emphasis is how Christians must choose between man's way and God's way in our daily lives.  In Lesson 2 page 4, a profound statement is made concerning how walking with Christ should affect our perspective.  The top of page 33 states concerning a Holy Spirit-filled believer:  "You are now enabled to see that God uses trials and problems as opportunities for spiritual growth."  Only God can grant man such spiritual insight.  We see problems as obstacles and hindrances, yet every one provides an opportunity for us to grow.

What the world  may see as a "setback" is actually the means God employs to cause us to progress in faith and maturity.  Our failures and faults can be redeemed for our good and growth.  Only God can use our mistakes and troubles of this life to accomplish ultimate will.   Romans 5:1-5 says, "Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, ² through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. ³ And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; ⁴ and perseverance, character; and character, hope. ⁵ Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us."

Peace with God does not depend on our circumstances, but on His unwavering character and unrelenting love.  For those who are born again through repentance and trust in Jesus Christ, He has become our peace.  He is our peace regardless if the world seems to be crashing down all around us.  Through Him we have access "into this grace in which we stand" and can rejoice with assurance He will be glorified.  We can rejoice even in trials and difficulties, knowing God will redeem them to bolster our growth and refine our character.  Not even our mistakes can separate us from the love of God graciously given us though faith in Jesus and the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit.

When I notice a "problem," my instinctive response is to think, "I need to do something!"  Instead of seeing problems as a hindrance, through the lens of faith we can say with confidence God is doing something - something profound, good, and glorious.  The assurance of our hope is solid as Christ's love.  Nobody wants problems, but when we recognise God will redeem them we can rejoice in His faithfulness to redeem.  When we commit our problems to the LORD in obedience, recognising He is LORD of all and in control, we lay hold of an invaluable opportunity to grow and glorify God!