Problems bring with them challenges. I mean, who wants to deal with problems anyway? Intrusive and unwanted, that’s how we see them. Problems are just that, difficulties and challenges that will alter our day and discourage our hearts. But because we are spiritual, problems aren’t always as they seem. In Christ, our problems are opportunities!

That’s what happened in the Early Church when there was a significant disagreement between two groups of widows. There was the appearance that one group was being treated better than the other.

Acts 6:1 (NLT) “But as the believers rapidly multiplied, there were rumblings of discontent. The Greek-speaking believers complained about the Hebrew-speaking believers, saying that their widows were being discriminated against in the daily distribution of food.”

Rather than see this as a problem to avoid, the spiritual leadership met the issue head-on with a solution that glorified God, blessed the people, and protected their God-given role in prayer and the Word of God.

  1. Problems are normal. Any progress and growth with bring with it problems.
  2. Problems are common. You’re not the only one dealing with issues. We all face problems every day.
  3. Problems are opportunities!

Please never forget that God is ready to help you. Don’t run away in times of trouble. Don’t make things worse by responding in anger or faithlessness. If you let them, problems will drive you to God in desperation and dependence. God will move in the midst of your problems, and He will give you the solution you need. He will help you if you look to Him. You can count on it!

The leaders in Acts 6 solved the issue with wisdom from God. His solution blessed everyone!

Acts 6:7 (NLT) “So God’s message continued to spread. The number of believers greatly increased in Jerusalem, and many of the Jewish priests were converted, too.”

When a problem comes your way, it’s an opportunity to trust God. It’s an opportunity to know that He is sovereign and in control. It’s an opportunity to see His power at work in your life. And it’s an opportunity to experience His peace that passes all understanding.

No matter the problem, God is ready to help you, friend. He is prepared to give you solid solutions that you may not have thought of on your own. God is faithful and utterly reliable in all of your troubles. So the next time a problem comes your way, don’t immediately see it as a negative thing. Instead, see it as an opportunity to trust in God and experience His power at work in your life. He will never let you down!

How have you seen God work through the problems you’ve faced? I’d love to hear from you in the comments below!