When Problems Produce Growth: How God Uses Difficulty to Strengthen His Church

Summary

This devotional illustrates how God uses problems to produce growth and spiritual strength. From Wilma Rudolph’s triumph over polio to conflict in the early church, difficulty became a catalyst for progress. Wise, Spirit-filled leadership resolved injustice and multiplied ministry. Stephen’s faithful witness, even in death, sparked persecution that spread the gospel. God transforms challenges into opportunities for growth when believers face them with faith and obedience.

Adversity That Brings Out the Best

As a child, Wilma Rudolph had polio. She worked hard to overcome her disability. In 1960, she won Olympic gold medals in two sprinting events and the 400-meter relay. Polio brought out the best in her.

Conflict in the Early Church

The early church had problems. The Palestinian Jews carefully kept the laws and customs of Judaism. They looked down on Greek-speaking Jews and the Greek culture they brought to Jerusalem. Their widows’ needs were often overlooked (Acts 6:1).

The apostles sought to solve the problem. They did not defend themselves or resist change. They bent without getting bent out of shape. They created new leadership positions (Acts 6:3).

Leadership Chosen by Spiritual Character

Notice the requirements for these leaders (Acts 6:3). The Holy Spirit must control their intellect, emotions, and will. They must be able to apply God’s word to everyday issues. They must have a good reputation in the community. An uneducated person with these qualities makes a better spiritual leader than a Ph.D. without them.

Flexible Solutions That Multiply Ministry

Solving the unfair distribution of resources flexibly, wisely, and nondefensively multiplied the church’s ministry and growth (Acts 6:7). Ignoring problems in the church stunts both.

Stephen’s Faithful Witness

Stephen was one of those chosen to serve tables. He was filled with faith and power. He performed great miracles. Even more than the apostles, he understood the changes Christianity would bring to Judaism.

The Jews brought him before the Jewish council for perceived attacks on their beliefs. Stephen insisted that God’s work is not limited to a geographical area. God’s people willingly move forward with Him.

The Jews exalted Moses and the good old days spent wandering in the wilderness. Stephen reminded them that the children of Israel defied God and worshiped idols even though they had the law and the sacrificial system.

God Beyond Traditions and Structures

Their land, law, and temple were not ends in themselves. God does not live in man-made houses. The new temple is Christ and those who are part of His body.

The Jewish leaders rejected Stephen’s message. They stoned him. Stephen was full of Jesus and His sweet, forgiving savor even as the stones struck his body (Acts 7:60).

When Problems Produce Growth

Stephen’s execution began the Jerusalem church’s persecution. As Christians fled from Jerusalem, they planted gospel seeds wherever they went. These seeds produced new Christians and churches. Within every problem are the seeds of growth.

Are you trying to ignore difficulties? Face them. God will use them to bring out the best in you. See additional free spiritual growth resources for Christians.   #freediscipleshipresources #freeevangelismresources #freechristianleadershipresources

God has empowered me to write His Power for Your Weakness—260 Steps Toward Spiritual Strength. It’s a free, evangelistic, devotional, and discipleship e-book. Pastors have used it in Malawi, Mozambique, and Zambia to lead 7,541 people to Christ and teach the basics of Christianity to 17,361 people. I invite you to explore and use it in your setting. 

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