The following list should help us as many of us are going through bad times. I think of you and pray for you regularly. I want you to know that I love you and that I am concerned for you and what God is doing in your life. I pray that God will give you strength, accomplish His purpose for this rough time and get you out on the other side soon.
Larry W. Poland, Ph. D.
1. To shape our virtue (James 1:2-4)
2. To eliminate rebellion (Hebrews 5:8-10)
3. To deal with our pride (Daniel 4:28-34)
4. To “force feed” our faith (Mark 9:22b-24)
5. To lift our eyes above circumstances (Mark 4:38-40)
6. To make us like Christ (Romans 8:28-29a)
7. To purify us from evil (I Peter 4:1-2)
8. To break destructive habits (Romans 6:5-7)
9. To induce repentance (James 4:4-10)
10. To repay evil (Esther 7:5-8:2)
11. To stabilize emotions (Hebrews 12:3-7)
12. To correct wrong priorities (I Samuel 3:12-14)
13. To correct wrong direction (Jonah 1:1-13)
14. To correct wrong thinking (Numbers 12:1-15)
15. To develop intimacy with and dependence upon Him
(Matthew 23:37-39)
16. To make a moral object lesson for others (Acts 5:1-11)
17. To create an environment for miracle (Numbers 21:4-9)
18. To demonstrate divine power (John 9:1-8)
19. To teach an unforgettable lesson (Luke 15:17-20)
20. To instill wisdom (Matthew 26:69-75; Proverbs 19:25, 29:15)
21. To purge superficial motivation (Jonah 4:1-11)
22. To vitalize sluggish spirituality (I Corinthians 5:1-5)
23. To develop toughness (II Timothy 2:3-7)
24. To prepare for spiritual warfare (Ephesians 6:10-13)
25. To increase personal and ministry fruitfulness (John 15:1-8)
26. To protect from worse times (Hebrews 12:7-17; Proverbs 13:18)
27. To give us a lasting gift (Luke 6:20-26)
28. To create rewards and honor (Hebrews 11:32-40;
II Timothy 2:12; Romans 8:17-18; II Corinthians 4:17-18)
29. To generate thanksgiving and praise (Exodus 14:10-1 w/
15:1-22; I Peter 4:13)
30. To enhance the Glory of God (John 11:1-6)
© 2000, Larry W. Poland, Ph.D.