• We first want to say that we do not want to minimize anyone’s problems or challenges.  They are real, and they can be difficult.  
• The other thing to keep in mind is that no matter who you are, no one escapes the challenges of life.  Rich, poor, black, white, urban, rural, Christian, atheist, it doesn’t matter, we all have problems. 
• Having problems reveals a deeper side of ourselves that many of us would like to keep hidden. 
• Problems actually can have benefits. In the moment they may seem overwhelmingly painful, but over time we often can see good on the other side. 

1. Recognize and accept that mankind lives in a fallen world where God has allowed bad things to happen.  He allows us free will and we can and have rejected His ways.  Therefore, we have separated ourselves from him and for that we will suffer the natural consequences.  Disease, selfishness, broken relationships, greed, war, etc…
2. Ask the right questions when you’re in a bad time.  Not, “Why me?”, but rather, “What can I learn from this?”, “What is my part in this?”, “What can I do about this?”
3. Problems can trigger us into victimhood or empowerment, we decide!

1 Timothy 6:12 “Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.”

1. Problems offer us a great opportunity to get closer to God and rest on him. 

1 Thessalonians 5:16-17 "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances..." “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” 

1. Problems can be handled intentionally or not.  When handled with intention we become more in tune with our resourcefulness, our need for others, our human weaknesses, our strength of faith, and our ability to persevere. 

Psalm 9:9 “The LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you.”

1. Problems actually make us stronger - “whatever doesn’t kill you makes you stronger”
2. Problems can and should help us to understand that God wants our heart!

Psalm 55:22 “Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.”

• Undoubtedly, we can all share our stories of hardship.  But no matter the story, we are called and encouraged to seek and honor God.  The pain we suffer on this earth will be erased and replaced with pure joy in heaven.  This is the motivation to have hope and look to the future.  Without this hope, our problems are truly life ending. 

Take some time this week to actively think about your blessings.  Certain people, faith, opportunities, health, wealth, home, whatever it is that you consider a blessing, take time to focus on those things and practice having gratitude in the storms. 

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