Rev Bill

Purpose 3 in Rick Warren’s book The Purpose Driven Life is

Warren continues his discussion of this topic in day 25 Transformed By Trouble. Beginning with the sentence : God has a purpose behind every problem Warren goes on to say that God uses circumstances to develop our character. Our most profound experiences of God may even be our most painful times — the times we were so hurt all we could do was turn to God.

Warren gives a good interpretation of Romans 8:28-29:

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.

we know — Our hope is not built on things we hope for — but the promise of God — which we can know is truth.
God works — God is at work in all our situations.
in all things – God’s plan includes the fact that He is with you in everything that happens to you.
for the good — God can work good out of bad — even evil — circumstances.
who have been called according to his purpose — God is working through all the circumstances of those who are living to become like Christ.

Warren then gives 3 tips on how to respond to problems:

1. Remember that God’s plan is for good.
God can work through even the worst of circumstances. You need to focus on God’s plan — not your pain.

2. Rejoice and give thanks.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 tells us: give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus This does not say to give thanks for all circumstances — but in all circumstances. The difference is subtle — but important. Even in situations you can not thank God for, you can still rejoice that God is still with you.

3. Refuse to give up.
Refuse to let hard times make you lose your faith and trust in God.

Troubles — hard times — horrible circumstances — will come. The question is: How will you respond to them? Try to respopnd with faith in God — knowing that God is with you. Having faith in the troubles of life is one way to become like Christ.

Lord — Help me to have faith in You, and give You praise that You are with me, even in the hardest times of life. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

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