Introductory Thoughts
God often allows problems to enter people’s lives in order to facilitate His initial plans. For example, God had already expressed His desire to Abram for him to separate from his kindred. For various reasons, Abram had not obeyed God up until this point. In order to bring about God’s desired will, He allowed conflict to enter between the herdmen of Abram and those of Lot. The solution to this unnecessary conflict was quite simple. Abram suggested that they part ways (God’s initial plan) and Abram turned toward the land of Canaan (God’s initial plan). The Lord used the same tactic in the early church to get them to spread out and to preach His word outside of Jerusalem (see Acts 1:8 and Acts 8:1).
Devotional Thoughts
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(For children): The apostle Paul wrote several epistles from prison, one of which was Philippians. Read what he had to say about his problems (Philippians 1:12-14). John was in prison and wrote the book of Revelation (Revelation 1:9, 19). Joseph's problems eventually enabled him to save his own brethren (Genesis 50:20-21).
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(For everyone): What was Gods will for Abram? What could have happened had the problem not come along between the herdmen of Abram and those of Lot?
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Has God ever allowed problems to enter your life only to bring about His desired will as part of the solution? How does this demonstrate Gods love and wisdom?
Prayer Thoughts
- Ask the Lord to help you see His plan in your problems.
- Thank God for sending problems that bring about His will.
Song
TRUSTING JESUS
