The Purpose of Trouble

By Paul Chappell

"My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing."

James 1:2-4

I have never forgotten a saying I heard some years ago, "Every adversity carries with it the seed of an equivalent or greater benefit." We will all go through hard times, but if we respond properly, those troubles can be the tool God uses to make us more effective for His kingdom. For example, some of the greatest preachers I have ever heard had to grow up without a father in the home. Some of the sweetest Christian kids in our school are dealing with huge family troubles.

The difference between people who benefit from their troubles and those who do not is found in their response, not in their troubles. One ancient philosopher said that if everyone in the world could see all the problems of all the people in the world and could choose which ones to have, everyone would go home with their own. The difference is not that some people have trouble while others don’t; the difference is that some people respond properly while others don’t.

If we realize the purpose and meaning of our troubles—God’s plan is that they will make us mature believers—then we can truly rejoice even during hard times. Of course we’re not happy about having trouble, but by keeping our eyes focused on the end result of our trials, we find the patience and strength to endure them and reach the other side. The real tragedy is not when things go wrong in our lives. The real tragedy is when we don’t let God work through the things that go wrong to make us what He wants us to be.

Today's Rooted Principle:

Resolve today to take advantage of the opportunities for growth presented by your troubles.