Mark 13:9 “When these things begin to happen, watch out! You will be handed over to the local councils and beaten in the synagogues. You will stand trial before governors and kings because you are my followers. But this will be your opportunity to tell them about me.
10For the Good News must first be preached to all nations. 11But when you are arrested and stand trial, don’t worry in advance about what to say. Just say what God tells you at that time, for it is not you who will be speaking, but the Holy Spirit.

When problems come to your life, the natural thing to do is to focus inward on survival and minimizing the affects of your current dilemma. However, Jesus says that when problems come, it is not a time to turn inward but rather a time to look outward. Your problems can become a platform for ministering to others when you understand a few things. The following are a few things to consider in the process of allowing God to turn your problem into a platform:

• The problem you are facing involves you and affects you but it is not just about you. The issues in life that impact your comfort are usually an opportunity for you to impact those around you. The moment that you realize that the issues in your life can actually lift your influence is the moment you will see that this problem is not just about you. Instead, this problem is a platform to minister to others.

• The problem you are facing does not separate you from the presence of God. Jesus said that you might be locked up and dragged away from those who you know and love. However, it is impossible that you are taken away from His love, His care, and His provision.

• The problem you are facing introduces you to new workings of the Holy Spirit in your life. The Holy Spirit gives you what you need when you need it. I know that you would be more comfortable if He would equip us with a great arsenal on knowledge and know how before the battles in life began. Instead, The Holy Spirit releases the perfect words, gifts, and power that you need in the exact moment you need them. When He gives you those words, you discover that you are delivering a message that is more powerful than you could have ever imagined.

Today’s Challenge: If you are facing a huge problem today, invite the Holy Spirit to transform that problem into a platform. He has words for you to speak and lives for you to influence. He will give you the strength you need the moment you need it if you will stay in tune with Him.