#iCONVICTION – The Triumph of Trouble

Trouble is never a welcomed guest in a home, and when this unwanted visitor barges its way through the door, the surroundings become uncomfortable, real fast. It is during those times that we are quick to turn to God in prayer asking Him to remove the problem—PLEASE! 
However, one thing I have learned, God will never take us out of our trouble until we allow Him to take the trouble out of us. Once the trouble is removed, God goes on the move through us.
In fact, God looks to use our troubles as a passport to bring His state of grace into contact with every person, state or place. This has become more literal for me lately, as I am being blessed with diverse opportunities to speak all over the states, places like California, Nebraska, Boston, New York, Philadelphia, and wherever the call comes from.
Needless to say, it’s an honor to be “called” to other places to do God’s work. Since my incarceration, the words of Jesus burn in my heart, “I must be about My Father’s business.” 
Since it is the family business and my Employer owns, ummmm, everything in the world and beyond, I’m pretty sure I’ll always have job security under His authority. Not only job security, but longevity and even an eternal pension. You can’t compete with such spiritual benefits–“Blessed be the Lord, Who daily loads us with benefits, the God of our salvation!” (Psalm 68:19).
Who would have ever imagined that all the pain and adversity in my life would become the catalyst to purpose and ministry? Not many actually. And that is why you only need to know the One who controls it all sovereignly. God knew.
Again and more bluntly put, God ordains even trouble to be the telescope that brings Him into clearer view for those who are lost in space. Meaning, what gets the attention of the nonbeliever more than anything else? When Gods children suffer successfully, accrediting all peace to God through the tragedy. What else? When circumstances that normally swallow people up like a black hole, actually become the conditions that cause one to shine like a bright star. God uses the holes in our life to allow His light to shine through–the more broken; the more open.   Darkness is a prerequisite to seeing the shining stars. “Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the firmament, and those who turn many to righteousness like the stars forever and ever” (Daniel 12:3).
So if you are going through any of life’s afflictions, please know that God desires to bring others to Him through your example of faith as you face the affliction. Consider how the Roman soldier, at the foot of the cross, came to know Jesus was Savior as he uttered these words “Truly, this was the Son of God” (Matthew 27:54). What did he see Jesus do? Die? No. He saw Him suffer successfully, as the cross that hung Him became the canvas that magnified Him.
I caused my own trouble, but the trouble I caused is now the ticket that God is willing to use to take His grace and mercy into the hearts of others. I hope that encourages you to bear your pain, don’t look to numb it or run from it. For your greatest purpose is discovered in your greatest pain. 
Matthew Maher is a former professional athlete and author of the newly released book U MAY B THE ONLY BIBLE SOMEBODY READS: R U LEGIBLE? His “Decisions Determine Destiny” assemblies are funded by State Farm and service youth in the tri-state area. He served four years and seven months in N.J. state prison and was released August 2014. You can learn more at www.themattmaherstory.com, where his blogs have been read by over 500,000 people in every state, 121 countries, and in 67 different languages. Follow him on Twitter @mattmaherstory and on Instagram @matthewmaher7