Questions only problems can answer

The problem paradox, part 2 of 2
Whenever we go through problems, we often focus on what God and life are doing to us. There is a place for that. But a better question to ask in the midst of our problems is what God is doing through us. We’ll discuss four key questions that God raises in our problems to help us discover the answers that lead to a life that is changed and conformed to the image God desires. Pastor Vince DiPaola

Download the notes.

Four questions God silently asks us in our problems (2 Corinthians 1:12–2:4, LB)

Q1. “How’s your true inner character?”

“We are so glad that we can say with utter honesty that in all our dealings we have been pure and sincere, quietly depending upon the Lord for his help, and not on our own skills. And that is even more true, if possible, about the way we have acted towards you.” (1:12)

Why? Character guides us through our problems.

” The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity “ (Proverbs 11:3)

Q2. “Who are your close companions?”

“And I hope that, as you have understood us in part, you will come to understand fully that you can boast of us just as we will boast of you in the day of the Lord Jesus. Because I was confident of this, I planned to visit you first so that you may benefit twice “ (1:13b–15, NIV)

Why? Companions support us in our problems.

” A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help*in time of need*.”
(Proverbs 17:17, NLT)

Q3. “What are your deepest convictions?”

“Then why, you may be asking, did I change my plan? Am I like a man of the world who says ‘yes’ when he really means ‘no’? Never! As surely as God is true, I am not that sort of person. My ‘yes’ means ‘yes’.” (1:17–18)

Convictions steady us during our problems.

I have been telling you about Jesus Christ the Son of God. He isn’t one to say ‘yes’ when he means ‘no.’ He always does exactly what he says. He carries out and fulfills all of God’s promises, no mater how many of them there are; and we told everyone how faithful he is… “ :19–20)

Q4. Where is your true compassion?”

God… knows my heart! It was in order to spare you that I decided not to go to Corinth… so I made up my mind about this: I would not come to you again to make you sad. For if I were to make you sad, who would be left to cheer me up?…I wrote you with a greatly troubled and distressed heart, and with many tears, not to make you sad, but to make you realize how much I love you all.” (1:23, 2:1–2,4, TEV)

Why? Compassion carries us above our problems.

” It is God himself who makes us sure, with you, of our life in Christ… [He] has set us apart, who placed his mark of ownership upon us, and who gave theHoly Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee of all that he has for us. “ (1:21–22, TEV)

Sometimes it takes a tough problem for us to learn a tender truth from God!