Turning Apparent Failures Into Divine Success

God uses difficulties and perplexities to refine and strengthen those He has chosen for His workUL 116.1+1. Even when others with supposed superior wisdom suggest that certain workers are failing or should be replaced, God continues to lead His servants step by step according to His own purposesUL 116.2+1.

The Purpose of Difficulties

• A Divine Plan: It is a specific part of God’s plan for His workers to meet and master many difficultiesUL 116.4. He does not seek to shield them from every obstacle but rather uses these challenges to develop their character and experienceUL 116.5.

• Success from Apparent Failure: God inspires His workers with a firm determination to turn every apparent failure into a successUL 116.4. By perseveringly struggling against insurmountable difficulties, they find the greatest joy and ultimate successUL 116.5.

• Developing Confidence: Although workers may weep or pray because of the obstacles before them, they are encouraged to hold their confidence steadfast until the endUL 116.5. If they remain determined to carry forward the work, God will eventually make their way clearUL 116.5.

Human Wisdom vs. Divine Leadership

• Differing Perspectives: A man relying on human wisdom may look at the work of God’s chosen servants and see only a tangled and spoiled messUL 116.3. He may try to discourage the workers by telling them they are making a great mistake, but God does not see things as man sees themUL 116.3.

• The "Great I AM": As workers advance under God’s leadership, they learn more about the "Great I AM" and the unfolding of His workUL 116.2. They move forward in the light shining on their path, declaring that they will not fail or be discouragedUL 116.4.

• Unexplainable Experiences: God is currently preparing humble and contrite men by giving them experiences that human wisdom cannot explainUL 116.6. He permits "supposed mistakes" to appear so that He can work in unexpected ways to bring great glory to HimselfUL 116.6.

The Qualities of a Valuable Worker

• Earnestness and Sincerity: The power with which God works through any individual is in direct proportion to that person's earnestness and sincerityUL 116.6.

• Upholding the Chosen: God reassures His servants that He has chosen them and will not cast them away, promising to strengthen, help, and uphold them with His righteous right hand Isaiah 41:9, 10.

• Seeking the Highest Good: In all His dealings, God consults His own purposes rather than man's theories, always seeking the highest good for those who labor together with HimUL 116.6.