The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren
notes by Pat Krabacher

25. Transformed by trouble

A. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.
2 Cor 4:17 (NIV)

“It is the fire of suffering that brings forth the gold of godliness”
-Madame Guyon

B. Life is a series of problems. He uses circumstances to develop our character.

God uses problems to draw you closer to himself. . . . .
Problems force us to look to God and to depend on him instead of ourselves.

Every problem is a character-building opportunity, and the more difficult it is,
the greater the potential for building spiritual muscle and moral fiber.

It is vital that you stay focused on God’s plan, not your pain or problem.
That is how Jesus endured the pain of the cross, and we are urged to follow his example.

If you are facing trouble right now, don’t ask, “Why me?”,
instead ask, “What do you want me to learn?”

C. Point to Ponder:
There is a purpose behind every problem.

Verse to remember:
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Ro 8:28 (NIV)

Question to Consider:
What problem in my life has caused the greatest growth in me?