“My suffering was good for me, for it taught me to pay attention to your decrees. Your instructions are more valuable to me than millions in gold and silver.” Psalm 119:71–72 (NLT)
Ministry is filled with problem-solving opportunities. And each problem you face as a pastor will either defeat you or develop you, depending on how you respond.
When pastors encounter challenges—an unexpected resignation, a strained marriage in the congregation, a sermon that didn’t connect, or just the weight of heavy responsibilities—they often react with frustration or discouragement. That’s understandable. But when you pause to ask, “How might God be using this?” you open the door for growth, not just in yourself but in your church.
Here are five ways God often uses problems in your ministry:
1. God uses problems to DIRECT you.
Sometimes God uses ministry disruptions to redirect your path. Maybe he’s showing you a different way to lead, preach, or shepherd. As Proverbs 20:30 says, “Sometimes it takes a painful experience to make us change our ways” (GNT). Don’t waste the detour—God might be leading you to something better aligned with your calling.
2. God uses problems to INSPECT you.
Leadership always reveals what's inside. And ministry problems will test your motivations, your humility, and your trust in God. As James 1:2-3 says, “When you have many kinds of troubles, you should be full of joy, because you know that these troubles test your faith, and this will give you patience” (NCV). What is this challenge revealing about your faith?
3. God uses problems to CORRECT you.
Even seasoned pastors need course corrections. Sometimes God allows difficulty to realign our hearts with his Word. That’s what the psalmist meant: “My suffering was good for me, for it taught me to pay attention to your decrees” (Psalm 119:71 NLT). Has God been using hardship to refocus your heart on his voice?
4. God uses problems to PROTECT you.
You may not see it now, but some problems are God’s way of shielding you. Maybe that job you didn’t get, the growth that didn’t happen, or the retreat that fell through was actually God’s grace. Like Joseph, you’ll eventually be able to say, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good” (Genesis 50:20 NIV).
5. God uses problems to PERFECT you.
You are being shaped for eternity. As Paul writes, “We know that [problems] help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character” (Romans 5:3-4 NLT). Every challenge is refining your soul to make you more like Christ. God is not just preparing sermons through you—he’s preparing you through the fire.
You’re going to face difficulties in ministry—maybe even today. But when you do, remember you have a choice. You can let them defeat you. Or you can choose to let God direct, inspect, correct, protect, and perfect you through them.
And when you do, you're not just growing as a leader—you're becoming more like Jesus.