God Uses Problems to Help Us Grow

by Rick Warren — September 11, 2020

“These little troubles are getting us ready for an eternal glory that will make all of our troubles seem like nothing.”

2 Corinthians 4:17 (CEV)

God uses everything—even the pandemic we’re in right now—to help our character grow. He uses problems to help us mature. James writes it like this: “My brothers and sisters, be very happy when you are tested in different ways. You know that such testing of your faith produces endurance. Endure until your testing is over. Then you will be mature and complete, and you won’t need anything” (James 1:2-4 GW).

You may feel tired and depleted right now because of how COVID-19 is affecting your life and the lives of those you love. This is the time to look to God, to place your hope in him, and to trust he is still in control.

He is a God of hope, and his hope will not disappoint. Given time, you’ll see that God can use even this pandemic to make you stronger and to develop your spiritual muscle.

In Romans 8:28, the Bible teaches, “We know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them” (NLT).

God’s purpose for you on this earth is to prepare you for eternity. This life is preparation for the next. We’re in the warm-up act right now! You’re likely only here for less than a hundred years, but you’ll be in eternity for trillions upon trillions of years—and even then you’re just getting started!

Today’s problems get you ready for an eternity you can’t imagine right now.

That’s what Paul says in 2 Corinthians 4:17: “These little troubles are getting us ready for an eternal glory that will make all of our troubles seem like nothing” (CEV).

Today’s problems may seem to be a heavy burden. But they’ll seem like nothing in heaven.

Hang on to that hope when you feel weary, overwhelmed, or just plain ready to give up. God is preparing you for eternity with him in heaven!

Talk It Over

  • How does knowing that your difficulties prepare you for heaven help you endure them?
  • How have difficult times helped you or someone else you know grow?
  • How have you experienced the hope that only comes from God?

Give hope, prayer, and encouragement below. Post a comment & talk about it.