Life is full of struggles—financial stress, health issues, relationship conflicts, and uncertainty about the future. But as followers of Christ, we don’t have to be defeated by them. In this episode, Pastor Chris Teien explores how God can use our difficulties to strengthen us, draw us closer to Him, and equip us to serve others.

Link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2285086/episodes/16335555

Through Romans 8, Colossians 3, and other key scriptures, this message will encourage you to trust that God has a purpose in your pain and that victory in Jesus is possible, even in hardship.

Key Points

God Uses Problems for Our Growth

• Struggles strengthen our faith and endurance (James 1:2-4).
• Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble, but take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

Five Ways God Uses Problems for Good

1. Selections – Some struggles result from our choices, but God can redeem them (Galatians 6:7-9).
2. Direction – Hardships can redirect our lives and deepen our faith (Psalm 119:67).
3. Inspection – Trials reveal our heart’s true condition (1 Peter 1:6-7).
4. Correction – God disciplines us to bring us back on track (Hebrews 12:10-11).
5. Perfection – Hardships mature us spiritually (James 1:2-4).

Your Pain Can Help Others

• 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 teaches that our struggles equip us to encourage others.

Personal Stories from Pastor Chris

• Trusting God for provision—his first car, finding a wife, and navigating life’s stages.
• The challenges of raising kids, handling discipline, and trusting God through change.
• A humorous yet powerful reflection on how God uses struggles to shape us.

Notable Quotes

• “Jesus overcame the world, and we can overcome through Him.”
• “You may not see the purpose in your pain now, but God is working for good.”
• “God is not punishing you—He is preparing you.”

Actionable Takeaways

• Trust that struggles have a purpose – Even when you don’t understand, God is at work.
• Seek God in trials – Let hardships draw you closer to Him.
• Encourage someone else – Share how God has helped you through struggles.
• Keep going – Galatians 6:9 reminds us that at the right time, we will reap a harvest if we don’t give up.

Scripture References

• John 16:33 – Jesus overcame the world, and so can we.
• Romans 8:35-37 – Nothing can separate us from Christ’s love.
• James 1:2-4 – Trials build endurance and maturity.
• Psalm 119:67 – God uses trials to bring us back to Him.
• 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 – Our struggles equip us to comfort others.

Keywords

Victory in Christ, Overcoming Struggles, Spiritual Growth, God’s Purpose in Pain, Trials and Tribulations, Christian Encouragement, Romans 8, Faith Through Hardship

Struggles are part of life, but they don’t have to defeat us. God can use every hardship to grow us, strengthen us, and equip us to help others. No matter what you’re facing, victory is possible through Jesus!

20m0920de Victory through Problems and Struggles

The WELL Faith Sermon Audio Podcast shares practical and encouraging Bible-based messages from Pastor Chris Teien to help you grow in your walk with Christ. A new message is released every Sunday. Episodes marked with an asterisk (*) are replay episodes from previous years. Find resources at ChrisTeien.com and Rockwell.church in Virginia, MN. Follow and review on your favorite platform. Send comments to: [email protected]