Source Ministries International

We’ve all experienced those times when it seems like the problems just keep pouring down upon us—one right after another. This can be very exasperating, if not depressing. But, there are always blessings in disguise for those who know the Lord and His ways. In the midst of every storm there are showers of blessing, if you wait patiently upon the Lord. So, look again and you will see that there is a ray of hope shinning through those dark storm clouds.

For example: In June of 2018 during a 7 day period we had at least 5 different things go wrong. All of these things occurred around the time that some of our family members were coming for a visit. However, this was not an occasion for worry, frustration or irritation. Rather it was an opportunity for our Lord to show Himself strong in our behalf (2 Chronicles 16:9). Therefore, we paused to pray and thank the Good Lord for each of these adversities as they occurred.

This attitude of dependency upon the Lord made it possible for the Lord to enable us to solve our problems. “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7 NLT). Our practice of “don’t worry about anything, pray about everything and trust God with everything” paid off.

Refrigerator – The day before our company arrived our refrigerator started leaking water. The water began to cover the kitchen floor. So, we mopped up the water and sought the Lord about the problem. When I investigated the refrigerator, I discovered that the drain was plugged. After I cleaned out the drain hole and the drain line it worked fine. No more leak. PTL, problem solved!

Automobile – During the time our company was visiting we planed a day trip to Stone Mountain Park.  But when we got in our 1999 Mercury Mountaineer to go to the park it would not start. We needed to use our vehicle because we had an annual pass to the park. Thankfully, I had a set of jumper cables. So, we were able to connect the cables to one of the other cars to get it started. Then we were off. I was most grateful to God that it continued to start while our company was here. However,  the day they left it would not start.  Finally I manage to get it started and promptly drove to the auto parts store where it was determined I needed a new battery. PTL, problem solved!

Washing Machine – The day that our company left, we put on a load of laundry to wash. As we did, we discovered that the washer was no longer working properly. It was making a terrible banging sound and vibrating a lot. After reading up on the symptoms I narrowed the problem down to a couple of possibilities. But due to the age of the appliance it did not seem worth having it repaired. So, I checked on the cost of a new washer as well as the possibility of purchasing a used one.

In the mean time, I was impressed to remove the old washer from the utility room. However, when we pulled it out from the wall, we noticed that one of the very parts I thought we needed was attached to the back of the machine in a plastic bag. Then I remembered that several years ago an appliance repairman friend repaired the washer for us. Apparently he had an extra part, so he attached it to the back. As usual, God had the supply ready before we ever had the need (Philippians 4:19).

Since we had a replacement part, I concluded that was the Lord’s way of confirming this was the problem. I also felt like He was showing me that I should repair it myself. I ask the Holy Spirit to guide me. He showed me what to do and how to do it. I was even able to take it apart and reassemble it without the help of my favorite assistant—my wife Lue. When she went to the grocery store I was inspired to tackle the project. When she returned from the store, much to her amazement the washing machine had been repaired. The entire project only took me 1 1/2 hours, which was amazing considering everything that was involved to complete the repairs. But then God is amazing! PTL, problem solved!

Once you know your union with Christ, you realize you are actually one with God. Thus God is no longer separate from you or far away. He is resident in you as well as in the midst of all you’re going through. As a result, you are able to see God in all things (Matthew 5:8). Therefore you should acknowledge Him in all things. Then trust Him to work all things together for your good and His glory (Romans 8:28). Problems become opportunities in the Lord!

In our case, the issues we encountered were resolved because we know that Christ is our wisdom and knowledge. Therefore, as we relied upon the Lord, He showed us what the problems were. Then He shows us how to fix them. We had several other issues that week but each time, the Lord enabled us to solve the problem. He has graciously done this so many times before and since. Thank You Lord!

Just as the Lord did that for us, He will also do that for you. He wants to enable you to face your problems and overcome your adversities. He’s just waiting for you to ask Him. The Lord invites you to “Ask and it will be given you” (Matthew 7: 7-8). The Lord who began the good work in you, will perform it through you, if you let Him (Philippians 1:6). So, let Him!

Dr. Lewis Gregory Source Ministries © 2018

TO FIND OUT MORE LISTEN: https://www.sourceministries.net/go/2011/07/it-all-works-out/