Problems Have a Purpose
Bob Yandian
“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing” (James 1:2-4).
There is one thing we all have in common - problems. Troubles don’t discriminate. Whether you’re saved or unsaved, young or old, in the ministry or working a nine-to-five job, problems are a part of life. And yet, while problems are inevitable, what you do with them is what makes all the difference. Trouble comes because of the Word and deliverance from trouble comes from the same Word of God. It is our job to apply God’s promises to our circumstances.
Satan sends problems to destroy you. His intention is always to wear you down, discourage you, and make you give up your walk with God. He uses fear, pain, delay, confusion—whatever he can—to get your eyes off the promises and onto the circumstances.
God does not send the problem, but He uses it. And when God uses something, He doesn’t just patch things up—He transforms them. The very thing Satan meant for evil; God turns around for your good (Genesis 50:20). Trials become steppingstones. What the enemy hoped would crush you, God uses to lift you higher.
Three Powerful Words
There are three powerful words in these verses: count, know, and let.
Count it all joy. That’s a choice, not a feeling. Joy isn’t the product of circumstances—it’s the result of perspective. Only those who have joy can count on it. This is a result of faith, which is based on what you know God has done for you in the past, knowing He will do the same for you again. James didn’t say, “Feel joyful.” He said, “Count it as joy.” It’s an accounting term. In other words, put it in the category of something that’s going to benefit you, not destroy you. Count it as something that has value.
Knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. Patience is stability in the crisis. God desires patience to be produced in trials. It glorifies God and frustrates Satan’s plans to destroy our faith. Patience is the product of the application of the Word of God to experience. It is the outward expression of trust in God’s Word and rest in His promises.
God doesn’t send problems. He never has, and He never will. The origin of problems traces all the way back to the garden. When Adam and Eve chose to disobey God, they opened the door to sin, death, and the curse. Problems came into this earth through Adam’s rebellion and Satan’s influence—not God’s design. But even though God didn’t author the problem, He saw it coming. And not only did He see it coming, but He also already prepared an answer.
That’s what makes our God so wonderful. He is omniscient. That means He knows everything before it ever happens. In fact, I believe that God’s greatest attribute isn’t just His power—it’s His foreknowledge. He doesn’t get caught off guard. He never scrambles to respond. He’s already planned the victory before the trial ever shows up.
Let patience have her perfect work. That’s surrender. It’s about not quitting halfway through the process. We like quick fixes, but God’s work in us is often a process. When patience finishes its work, the Word says you’ll be mature and complete, lacking nothing.
The Problem is a Training Ground
Satan wants you to think your trial is the end. God wants you to know it’s a training ground. Think of an athlete running hurdles. The hurdle isn’t there to stop him—it’s there to train him. A properly trained runner knows how to clear it, and every hurdle cleared builds confidence for the next one. It’s the same with you. The Word of God gives you what you need to rise above the obstacles.
The presence of a trial does not mean the absence of God. In fact, it is often in the middle of the trial that His presence becomes the most real to us. The Holy Spirit will bring scriptures to your remembrance to guide you through the situation. Knowing the Word arms us before the battle ever begins. He uses the trial to teach us how to trust Him and walk in spiritual strength.
The Word Is Your Weapon
Let me tell you plainly, trials don’t make you strong. If they did, we would all be spiritual giants. No, it’s the faith you use in the trial that builds strength. Just like dumbbells don’t build muscles by sitting in your garage, it is using them that makes you strong. Same with the Bible—just owning it doesn’t change anything. You have to open it, believe it, speak it, and act on it.
God gave you over 7,000 promises in His Word. That’s 7,000 reasons to go to sleep in the middle of the storm. That’s 7,000 pillows to rest your head on while the wind and waves rage around you. Jesus said, “Let us pass over to the other side,” and then He went to sleep on a pillow. He didn’t say, “Let us sink halfway.” He gave a Word—and when He gives a Word, you can rest in it.
How to Minimize the Effects of Suffering
There are things you can do to lessen the impact of suffering:
Maintain a thankful life
Praise is the highest form of faith. Rejoice always, in everything give thanks (1 Thessalonians 5:16, 18). Praise confuses the enemy and refocuses your spirit.
Stay in the Word
Psalm 119:11 says, “Your word I have hid in my heart, that I might not sin against You.” 2 Peter 1:4 says that His promises let us escape the corruption in the world. The more Word you know, the stronger you stand.
Keep a prayer life
Prayer keeps you in tune with the Spirit. Luke 18:1 says, “Men ought always to pray and not faint.” Pray in tongues. Listen for His direction. He will remind you of Scripture and show you what to do.
Guard your thought life
Take every thought captive (2 Corinthians 10:5). Don’t let fear, worry, or doubt take root. Philippians 4:8 tells us what to think about—things that are true, noble, pure, and praiseworthy.
Live above reproach
Abstain from even the appearance of evil (1 Thessalonians 5:22). Be honest in front of people. Don’t just do right—be seen doing right. It matters.
Remember what you know
Don’t throw away truth just because you're facing something unfamiliar. Trials reveal what’s really in you. You find out where your faith is—and that’s not a bad thing. God already knows where you are. You’re the one who needs to see it.
Write down your victories
Psalm 103:2 says, “Forget not all His benefits.” Every testimony is a reminder of His faithfulness. Keep a journal. Review it often. Let it stir your faith for the next battle.
Suffering Qualifies You
It doesn’t disqualify you. Every battle you’ve walked through with Jesus has made you more usable to Him. Bolder. More confident. More prepared. God doesn’t cause the storm, but He is always faithful in it. And every time you stand, you’re proving that Satan is no match for a child of God full of the Word.
Romans 8:37 says, “In all these things, we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” You are not just a survivor—you’re a conqueror. You are not barely making it; you are learning how to walk in victory every single day.
Don’t run from problems. Face them with the promises of God. Rejoice in the storm. Speak the Word. Rest in the Lord. And know this: you are coming out stronger on the other side.
