God has a purpose behind every problem, He uses circumstances to develop our character- Cleric

Pastor F.A. Oke

By 'Gbenga Bankole

The District Superintendent of Christ Apostolic Church, Peaceland District, Lagos, Pastor F. A Oke has said God has a purpose behind every problem and uses circumstances to develop our character.


While quoting 2 Corinthians 4:17 "For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory," the Cleric said problems force us to look to God and depend on Him instead of ourselves.


Pastor Oke stated this in his message entitled "Transformed by Trouble."

In his exact words: "God has a purpose behind every problem. He uses circumstances to develop our character. Joni Eareckson Tada, notes, "When life is rosy, we may slide by with knowing about Jesus, with imitating Him and quoting Him and speaking of Him. But only in suffering will we know Jesus" i.e. We learn things about God in suffering that we can't learn any other way. God could have kept Joseph out of jail, Daniel out of the lion's den, Jeremiah from being tossed into the slimy pit, and Paul from being shipwrecked three times, and kept the three Hebrews from being thrown into the blazing furnace but He didn't."


"He let those things happen and all of them were as a result drawn closer to God, and won many souls including the gentile Kings. "Problems force us to look to God and depend on Him instead of ourselves.(2 Cor. 4:17). Madame Guyon says, "It is the fire of suffering that brings forth the gold of godliness."



He urged everyone to build Christlike character, responding to problems as Jesus, rejoice and give thanks and refuse giving up.



 Pastor Oke concluded that "if you are facing problems now do not ask 'Why me' rather, ask 'what do You want me to know.' Then trust God and keep on doing what is right. Don't give up, but grow up."