2 Positive In The Midst Of Problems Series

NEED a TeaBag

[dot on white paper]

Introduction:

Welcome back to week two of our series, “Be Positive.”

Last week we looked at how changing our focus can shape our thoughts and attitudes.

Today, we’re going to tackle something that every single one of us faces in life —

• problems.

• Trials.

• Difficult moments.

The question isn’t if we’ll face them, but how we’ll respond when we do.

Our message today is called "Positive in the Midst of Problems."

That might sound like a contradiction, right?

How can you be positive when you’re struggling?

How can you smile when you’re hurting?

But as we’ll see, the Bible invites us to a different kind of mindset —

not denial of difficulty,

but deeper trust in God.

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1. Problems Are a Part of Life

Let’s be honest — none of us enjoy problems.

Whether it’s * sickness, financial stress, relationship strain, or unexpected bad news — trials test us.

James doesn’t say “If you face trials…” He says, “Whenever you face trials of many kinds.”

Trials, problems, difficulties are part of the human experience.

But what’s striking is that James says, “Consider it pure . . . joy.”

Why?

Not because the pain itself is joyful,

but rather because of what God can do through it.

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2. Trials Are Tests That Grow Our Faith

James continues:

"because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance."

Think of trials like weight training for the soul.

No one grows stronger by sitting still.

You grow stronger by lifting weights —

and sometimes, life feels heavy.

Carrying the weight will make us stronger.

To clarify, I am not saying that God is sending us these weights.

God doesn’t cause all our problems:

• Situations we face cause problems

• People around us cause problems

• WE cause our own problems

— but God uses them as life’s weight training.

Every trial is an opportunity to:

• Trust God more deeply

• Let go of our self-reliance

• Learn and Grow in patience, humility, and resilience

Illustration:

Think of this teabag.

You only find out what’s inside when it’s placed in hot water.

In the same way, trials (our hot water) reveal what’s in us — and who we’re trusting.

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3. Biblical Examples of Being Positive in Problems

Let’s look at three people in Scripture who faced serious challenges — but stayed positive, trusting God through it all.

a) Joseph (Genesis 37–50)

Joseph was

• betrayed by his brothers,

• sold into slavery,

• falsely accused, and

• thrown into prison.

Yet . . . . he never gave up.

Years later, he told his brothers:

“You intended to harm me, but

God intended it for good…” (Genesis 50:20)

Joseph held onto hope.

He could have become really bitter — “Why me?!”

But he trusted God’s bigger picture.

b) Paul (Philippians 1:12–18)

Paul was imprisoned for preaching the gospel.

Yet, from prison, he writes:

“Now I want you to know… that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel.”

Paul chose purpose over self-pity.

He saw beyond his chains and found joy in what God was doing.

c) Jesus (Hebrews 12:2)

Jesus, the ultimate example, endured the cross with this mindset:

“For the joy set before him he endured the cross…”

He faced the greatest suffering ….. with joy —

not because the cross was easy,

but because of what it would accomplish: our salvation.

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4. So - How Do We Stay Positive in Our Problems?

Let’s get practical.

How do we live this out?

a) Reframe the Trial

Instead of asking, “Why me?”,

try asking, “What is God forming in my life?”

A trial can be a teacher.

A training course

An endurance test

A muscle-building exercise

Ask yourself – “What is this revealing?

Where is this stretching me?

What is this preparing me for?

During these times,

b) Lean Into Gratitude

Again, Gratitude doesn’t ignore the pain,

but it keeps perspective.

Hold Dot on white paper .

Grateful for ALL this – despite this (dot)

1 Thessalonians 5:18 says:

“Give thanks in all circumstances…”

Not for all circumstances — but in them.

Even in problems (black dot), there is always lots of things to be thankful for:

• You’re not alone

• God is with you

• I’m still blessed with food, water, air, home, places to go, people to turn to, opportunities to grasp, talents to use . . .

• And God is working in ways you can’t yet.

c) Persevere with Purpose

James says (verse 4):

“Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete.”

Don’t give up halfway!

Perseverance produces spiritual maturity.

What you're going through today could be preparing you for what God has next.