The conclusion about potential benefit from hardship, painful times and problems

Dear friend. I am praying in the name of Jesus’ that the spirit of God’s wisdom and revelation will be multiplied in your life through the “Daily Word of Spiritual Strength”. Today I would like to close our theme about potential benefit from hardship, painful times and problems. Let’s recall what we have learned so far. *) We talked about how God uses our pain and problems for our spiritual growth; *) We talked about the fact that there is benefit in our times of hardship. Problems and pain focus our attention as nothing else does. They teach us to lean on God, they test and refine our faith, form our character, prepare us for eternity and Problems give us a chance to obtain the necessary experience for  ministry to other people. *) We talked about the importance of making right choices, because if we do not make the right choices, times of hardship by themselves will not make us more mature in God. Problems have the potential to be of benefit to us, but this is not something that comes automatically with a problem; *) We talked about finding and acknowledging the root of our problems and pains as this helps us to decide on the right action we have to take; *) We talked how we can “feed” our hope, so we do not just endure our pains and problems, but at the same time we can become mature and transformed as we await the second coming of the Lord Jesus. In conclusion, I would like us to turn again to the word of God:

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those he predestined, he also called, those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.”(Rom 8:28-30)

According to the verses above we must remember that for those who love God, All things works for the good – including our problems, our pains, and sufferings. Uncertainty and things unknown can cause us to worry and become anxious. In the times of hardship worries and fear can become our biggest enemy, but only the truth can set us free and the truth says – in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. It is pointless worrying about what will or will not happen, it is better for us to play our part so that God in His grace can do His, working out all things for our good. The question is – what does it mean “playing our part”? First of all, make sure you love God with all you heart as it is said “God works for the good of those who love Him” Secondly, you must love God and keep focusing on fulfilling the calling that you have received from Him. Do not focus on your suffering and pain, but focus on God and His calling upon your life and only then will everything work out for your good.  Real happiness is found in the fulfilment of his or her calling. Serve the Lord and He will bless you! But be careful; do not focus all your attention on the blessings you are going to receive, because that is God’s part. Your part is to serve and love the Lord with all your heart, being a reflection of God’s love to the people around you. And God will do His part! And then everything will work out for your good! Remember, your right attitude to life while you are going through times of hardship will allow you to draw out the potential benefits imbedded in that hardship. Disobedience will only multiply your sufferings and problems, but your obedience will turn everything around for your good. Be blessed! Pastor Rufus Ajiboye