GOD MAY BLESS THROUGH PROBLEMS
Many of us are burdened with problems. Many people in the Bible came to Jesus Christ for him to solve their problems. Jesus solved their physically, spiritual and other problems. The Bible tells, “how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him” (Acts 2:38). Our problems may be opportunities for the Lord to bless us.
SOME PEOPLE JESUS BLESSED WHO HAD PROBLEMS
The following are only a few of many people in the Bible who came to the Lord and he blessed them through solving their problems:
A PARALYZED MAN who was bedridden heard about Jesus and his power to heal. His friends carried him in his bed to a house where Jesus was. But when they discovered that a crowd blocked the door to the house, the men who carried him removed the roof and let him down where Jesus could reach him. Jesus healed him and forgave him for his sins. He walked away thanking and glorifying God (Mark 2:1-12).
A WOMAN HAD A PROBLEM WITH BLEEDING for twelve years and had spent all of her money on physicians without being healed. When she heard that Jesus the great miracle healer was in her vicinity, she pressed her way through a crowd where he was and she touched the hem of his garment. Power went out of Jesus and healed her. When Jesus said, someone touched me, she came and fell prostrate at his feet recognizing him as the Lord (Mark 5:25-34).
MARY MAGDALENE FROM WHOM JESUS CASTED OUT SEVEN DEMONS: “Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out.” Luke 8:1-2).
THE LORD MAY BLESS US THROUGH OUR PROBLEMS
Some of us may come to the Lord because of his help with problems in our lives—Illness, financial need, relationship trouble, addiction, spiritual, or other problem. For the goodness of God leads [us] to repentance (Romans 2:4; John 6:44). Or we may be blessed through the Lord causing our problems to draw us closer in our relationship with him (1 Peter 4:12-13).
GOD MAY USE US TO HELP OTHER PEOPLE WITH PROBLEMS
The Holy Spirit, who dwells in repentant believers (1 Corinthians 6:19); may give us opportunities to show others the love and help we received from the Lord (2 Corinthians 1:3-5). By helping them with their problems, the Holy Spirit may cause them to see Christ in us and be drawn to the Lord (John 12:32).
Several people in rehab and prison programs, whom I counseled and worked with, told me their problems caused them to be open for help. And they said, they believed God sent me, and others with godly concern like me, to help them.
As representatives of Christ, you may show Christ-like love in helping others, without performing miracles or being a professional helper. You can pray that the Holy Spirit directs you to those he wants you to help.
- You may be led to volunteer to help those with problems.
- Listen to, and pray in your heart for someone with a problem. You can visit. someone who is shut-in or bedridden and bring that person a token of love. If the person is open to, or desires you to, you may read them stories and Psalms about the love and miracles of the Lord.
- Call someone whom you know is lonely, to say hello, and let them know you were thinking about them, and wanted to know how they were doing. .
- If anyone wants to know about your demonstrations of love and concern, you can tell them about your loving relationship with Jesus, and how his love and concern have inspired you to love others.
GOD WORKS ALL THINGS TOGETHER FOR OUR GOOD
The Bible tells us, God works all things together for good for those love him and are called according to his purpose of conforming us to the likeness of his Son, Jesus Christ (Romans 8:28-29). God uses our problems and trials to refine us like fire refines gold—which “may result in praise, glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:6-7).
