Problems That I Want - Part III (The Conclusion)

Problems That I Want - Part III (The Conclusion)

The daily affirmation of scripture empowers us to endure and obtain hope in the midst of suffering.  I offer seven scriptures for your daily meditation and affirmation as you ask God to transform your current dilemmas into problems that you want.

(1)  Isaiah 43:18-19

·   “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.”

·   “See, I am doing a new thing!  Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? 

·   I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.”

(2)  Psalm 34:4

·   “I sought the Lord, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears.”

(3)  Isaiah 42:16

·   “I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth.  These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them.”

(4)  Jeremiah 29:11

·   “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

(5)  Romans 5:3-5

·   “Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.

·   And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.”

(6)  Philippians 4:6-7

·   “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God

·   And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

(7)  Ephesians 3:20

·   “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.”

Conclusion

In the midst of his public ministry, Jesus centers his focus upon the disciples.  He tutors them on the kingdom of God.  They follow him throughout his ministry of preaching, teaching and healing.  John’s gospel details seven specific signs and wonders. 

Ÿ The feeding of the five thousand men, not counting women and children, with two fish and five loaves of bread in John 6

Ÿ The wedding at Cana - turning water to wine in John 2

Ÿ Giving sight to the blind man in John 9

Ÿ Healing the lame man at the pool of Siloam in John 5

Ÿ Jesus walking on water in John 6

Ÿ The conversion of the Samaritan woman at the well and the forgiveness of the woman caught in adultery

Ÿ Raising Lazarus from the dead

We think of these incidents as miracles yet they were problems for the primary persons involved.  Whereas, we would not want those problems, we marvel concerning their outcomes when we lift them up to God.

It was common practice for the Lord to explain the divine purpose in healing.  In a seminar format, he entertained the disciples’ questions about his use of parables and his particular method of healing.  At the Last Supper, Jesus essentially tells them, “You ain’t seen nothing yet!”  No matter what your problems are, the Lord Jesus can turn them into possibilities; He can resurrect new life out of them.  Yes, you may have enjoyed great days in the past but with the Lord, your future days will greatly exceed your former days.

Think about and receive the problems that you want.