Episode Details

Problems can feel confusing, painful, and discouraging, but Scripture shows that God can use them for good. Pastor Chris Teien explains how trials can shape faith, reveal the heart, correct direction, and prepare believers to help others. Find encouragement to trust God through struggles and see how He can use life’s challenges to make you stronger in Christ.

In This Message

1. God Allows Problems That Result from Our Selections
(Galatians 6:3–10)
Some problems come from the choices people make, and Scripture reminds us that we reap what we sow. The sermon encourages wise decisions, faithful work, and perseverance in doing good while trusting God for a harvest in His timing.

2. God Uses Problems to Give Us Direction
(Psalm 119:67; 2 Corinthians 12:7–9; Psalm 119:35)
Problems can redirect believers and draw them closer to God. Through weakness, need, and difficulty, God teaches dependence on His grace and helps His people stay on the path He desires.

3. God Allows Problems for Inspection
(1 Peter 1:6–7; Jeremiah 17:9; Psalm 139:23–24)
Trials reveal what is really in the heart and test the genuineness of faith. Like fire refining gold, hardships can expose impurities so believers can confess sin, grow in character, and become more faithful.

4. God Uses Problems for Correction
(Jonah 1:2–5; Hebrews 12:10–13)
God sometimes uses difficulty to correct disobedience and bring His people back to the right path. The sermon shows how loving discipline can be painful in the moment but produces a harvest of right living.

5. God Uses Problems to Lead Us to Perfection
(James 1:2–4; Romans 8:28, 35–37)
God uses trials to develop endurance, maturity, and completeness in the Christian life. Though problems are difficult, they can strengthen faith, prepare believers for greater usefulness, and become testimonies that help others trust the Lord.

I hope this message helps you understand and apply God’s Word. Find sermon transcripts at Well.faith, learn more at ChrisTeien.com, or come visit us at Rockwell Church in Virginia, Minnesota. If this message encouraged you, I’d love to hear from you at wellfaith24@gmail.com.