Cook Islands
CHURCHTALK Friday 27:
God's purpose in your problems
AOG youth outreach
Guides progress toward Duke of Edinburgh award
God's purpose in your problems
We have a tendency to try and avoid or ignore problems at all cost. And we can have problems in different areas of our lives.
We can have relational problems, health problems, lack of direction problems, economic problems, marriage or family problems - the list could go on. The reality is that problems are a normal part of everyday living. They come at a moment when we least expect them and in different shapes, sizes and colours. Gifted as we are, we find creative ways of dealing with problems. One method may alleviate them while others may aggravate problems.
Some methods may cause the problem to cease altogether, yet some will merely cause problems to lay dormant only to flare up another time in future. Whatever method we use to overcome our difficulties in life, is the problem really our problem?
The Bible says, "Don't be surprised at the painful trials you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you ... those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good." (I Peter 4.12).
People often think that when they go through problems God is mad at them. Wrong! Sometimes God's will for your life is that you have problems. The truth is, God's purpose is always greater than your problems. In God's economy, problems are given to us as tools to equip us for life. One may ask, how so? Let's just look at a few ways that God uses problems to equip you for life.
First, God uses problems to point you in a new direction, to motivate you to change. Proverbs 20:30 says, "Sometimes it takes a painful experience to make us change our ways." Sometimes God has to light a fire under you, to make things uneasy and uncomfortable. There's a saying, "We don't change when we see the light, we change when we feel the heat."
Most of us have heard or read the story of the prophet Jonah who ran in the opposite direction to God's intended destination. First he experienced the problem of a storm, second he was thrown overboard a ship and into the turbulent waters, and third, he was swallowed by a large fish. Did Jonah have problems? It seemed so at the time but then he called out to God from the belly of the fish not realising that this was God's way of giving him a 'Mediterranean Cruise', pointing him in the right direction. When the fish spat him out, Jonah found himself at the outskirts of the city of Nineveh.
You see, problems never leave you where they found you. Next time you have a problem, ask the question: "Where is this problem leading me?" Find the answer to the question and you are more likely to employ the right method to resolving your problem.
Second, God uses problems to test (or inspect) you. In the Book of Deuteronomy 8:2, the Bible says, "The LORD your God led you all the way in the desert these 40 years, to test you in order to know what was in your heart." A two-week trek between Egypt and the land of Canaan took 40 years because these guys kept failing the test.
Problems are unpredictable and varied but they are purposeful. God has a purpose behind your problems. God often compares suffering or problems as a 'refining fire' that purifies gold or silver and sometimes you have to go through a refining fire (problem) because God wants you to learn some truths about yourself. When you encounter your next problem, ask the question: What does this problem reveal about me?
Third, God uses problems to correct you. Life is a school, and problems are the curriculum. King David wrote, "It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees." (Psalms 119.71). The truth is we learn far more through suffering than we do through success and God uses problems to correct us or to educate us. Try out this question in your next problem: What is this problem teaching me?
Fourth, God uses problems to protect you. Sometimes a problem is a blessing in disguise. It prevents you from getting involved in something more harmful. The Bible says, "It is better to suffer for doing good than for doing wrong." (I Peter 3:17 NCV) It is safer to do what is right and honest and suffer for it than to compromise your integrity and not suffer.
The Old Testament story of Joseph is a classic example. Joseph went from being a spoilt brat to being sold as a slave by his brothers, to being falsely accused of rape and imprisoned for a number of years. Life would have seemed unfair for Joseph, given his circumstances, but we learn that in his suffering and problems, God was positioning him to become prime minister and second-in-command of Egypt. His response to the instigators of his problems was: "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good." (Genesis 50:20).
Remember, people are going to try to intentionally hurt you in life. They intend it for bad, but God intends it for good. When you are facing a problem, ask yourself: How is this problem protecting me?
The reality is this: your problem is not your problem but how you respond to the problem is the problem. And God will use you problem to bring the best out of you for your benefit and the benefit of others.
Enjoy the weekend and the peace of God.
Pastor Tevai Matapo
Assemblies of God
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AOG youth outreach
'Connect to Jesus' through singing and worshiping this evening at the Avarua Assembly of God church in Takuvaine.
The newly formed AOG youth mission is inviting all the youth on the island to join them in their special service.
AOG youth mission member Massey Mateariki says that the aim of the 'connect to Jesus' service is to share with young people what Jesus has done for them and their family.
As well as sharing their inspirational stories, singing and worship, there will also be a special guest speaker.
Rugby league legend and success through sports (SENZ) tutor Kevin Iro will speak about the work he has done with Cook Islands youth.
There will also be a special sermon delivered by Pastor Grace Daniel at the end of tonight's youth mission gathering.
The service will start at 6.30pm and everyone is invited. - MW
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Guides progress toward Duke of Edinburgh award
The second ever 'Partnership Young Voice Gathering' camp proved to be a big success.
Held at St Joseph's grounds last weekend, the camp was for Girl Guide members undergoing studies towards the Duke of Edinburgh award.
The first camp of its kind was held last month in Nikao. It encouraged the members to be active and strengthen their leadership skills by planning and organising the camp as well as encouraging others to join them.
It was also about giving the girls the chance to share in their experiences as they work towards the Duke of Edinburgh award.
The Nikao camp was organised by Yves Makita and Tokorua Tuteru and involved up to 14 girls. Their activities included spending time with Nga Teao on the Cook Islands Christian Church radio programme.
Last weekend's camp, like the first event, was organised by the members themselves and included devotion and an amazing race event.
On Sunday 22 June, the girls were up at 4am to prepare for the morning service at the Avarua Cook Islands Christian Church.
Later in the day they attended mass at St Joseph's Cathedral in Avarua and enjoyed activities like a tour to Wigmore's waterfall and songs with Ngara Katuke, the assistant national co-ordinator of the Duke of Edinburgh award programme.
There are six girl guides companies on Rarotonga - Avarua, St Joseph's, Nikao, Arorangi, Titikaveka and Ngatangiia.
The team would like to acknowledge the assistance of those who allowed the girls the use of the Nikao Panama hall during the first event, and the parents for allowing their girls to take part.
The award programme is open to anyone, male or female, aged from 14 to 25 years and the Cook Islands now have over 80 girls registered with the New Zealand office.
To date there are six girls in the Arorangi company, seven from Aitutaki and 10 from Atiu who are certified at the bronze level of the award.
It is hoped that over 50 girls will be certified by October this year for the Girl Guides' 80th birthday celebration. The next 'Partnership Young Voice Gathering' will be hosted by the Avarua company in July. - Tara Carr
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