Proof That God Loves Us

It goes without saying that we often view our problems as a negative aspect of our lives. Taking it one step further, we then often bring God into the situation by implying, or in some instances outright attributing our problems to God. Sometimes we think that if God only loved us more he would alleviate or remove our problems. But today I want to challenge that thought and suggest that maybe your problems are proof that God loves you.

If you are confused, let me elaborate:

In my more optimistic moments, I realize without a doubt that most of what shapes a person's identity is their ability to deal with and overcome challenges. In other words, we become better individuals as a result of facing and resolving the problems that come our way. There is the popular saying that, “whatever doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger.” If this is true—and I believe it is—then oddly and ironically, problems are not only good but they could, in fact, be considered a blessing.

Experiencing and living with success is relatively easy compared to dealing with problems. But the flip side of the coin is that it is the problems that make us strong and resilient. As I think back over the major issues that I had to overcome on my path to the present, it is the hard times that make me what I am.

If we realize that ultimately to be successful over the long term requires us to be strong and resilient, then it is the problems and the sum of those that make us more prepared for and capable of success.

Now please don’t get me wrong; when you are in the midst of working through a difficult problem or a painful time in your life, it is damn hard—often impossible—to see any upside or positive as a result. I can tell you, there are many times when I look to the sky and wonder, or maybe even question out loud  why God has done this to me, and if God loves me, or even worse, if he hates me.

With that said, that way of thinking makes a person cold and bitter, and honestly, that’s not the way I want to be or how I want to see the world. It paints God as a vengeful, uncaring God, and I just don’t believe that's the case.

I believe that in everything—even the most difficult times we can imagine—there is something optimistic that can be gleaned. So if this is correct, then your problems may be proof that God loves you and is offering you an opportunity to grow and become a stronger, tougher, more faithful person.