Why Is Trouble Necessary?

2 Corinthians 4:16-18, NIV
16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.
17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.
18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.


Introduction: There is a saying in Korean, "Bitter medicine is good for our body." It is unpleasant to be in the process of trouble, but it is necessary medicine for new growth. Through trouble, our inner being receives the benefits of renewal and maturity. The apostle Paul says that it is good for us to be afflicted (2Co 4:16-18).


1. Trouble makes us repent and seek God.

1) A furious storm and the disciples.
① They were inattentive to Jesus and let him fall asleep.
② It was a life-threatening storm. They turned to Jesus and woke him up.
2) The storm called the Northeaster and the salvation of an Alexandrian ship which sailed for Rome. The sailors and people on the ship with Paul who came to God.
3) Church attendance in both America and Korea has greatly increased during the world economic crisis of today.
4) If I had not suffered from tuberculosis, I would not have believed in Jesus.


2. Trouble brings repentance and change.

1) People who used to be indifferent to their inner being.
① People who were only interested in the life of the outer person, the flesh.
② They will seek their inner being, the person of spirit (2Co 4:16).
2) People who followed the lust of the world will repent and seek God's will (2Co 4:17).
3) People who used to see only the visible world will follow after the invisible world and
find eternal life.


3. Trouble helps our character grow mature in faith.

1) Trouble is momentary, but it eventually will achieve for us an eternal glory that far outweighs everything. A pearl oyster.
2) Trouble turns a life that is shallow and frivolous into a life that is deep and meaningful.
? Nurture patience.
3) Trouble helps us abandon our self-centered life and helps us serve our neighbors and people who are suffering.
4) We will experience the living God.


4. Trouble is a process of preparation for new blessings.

1) Trouble helps us become a big vessel.
2) Trouble teaches us how to use blessings properly.
3) Trouble helps us fear and serve God.


Conclusion: No one likes to go through trouble. However, God leads us through the fire and water in order to make us what He wants us to be. A priceless vessel should be baked in a furnace of some thousand degrees. Without going through the blazing furnace of suffering and hardship, we can never become a priceless vessel of God.