Problems

<<troubles, difficulties>>

Problems are part of the consequences of Adam and Eve’s fall into sin, so there are no trouble-free environments this side of heaven (Gen 3:16-19)! “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (Jn 16:33). We can be confident because no problems or any other negative force can separate us from the love of Christ. “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us” for “Our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all” (Rom 8:35,37; 2 Cor 4:17).

is to bring us into wholeness and develop Christ-like character as we grow in our relationship with Him by walking in dependency and trust. Don’t focus on the problems and your weaknesses but let them drive you towards and not away from God.

Problems are unavoidable in a sinful world but some are preventable or can be solved ourselves by careful planning; others by seeking advice and receiving counsel from experts in a particular field; while divine intervention through prayer may be the only remedy on some occasions as we trust Him and do what we know we should do. Hope is an ‘anchor for the soul’ providing security and the eternal perspective that this difficulty won’t last forever, meanwhile it will assist in building strong character and help us to be sensitive to others who are struggling (Rom 5:3-5; 2 Cor 1:3-5; Heb 6:19).

also need to have a right attitude, accept responsibility for our faults, being tolerant and patient with others, and following through on the remedy to eliminate future hassles.

Do we view adversities as stepping-stones in life’s pathway, a means of advancing, or as obstacles – a catalyst for growth or what will hinder progress? A problem is something that exists to be solved – if met with a positive mental attitude and faith problems are ‘opportunities in disguise’ to develop our capabilities, help us mature and gain experience (Jas 1:2-4,12). Consider them God’s ordained means to bring about His purposes for your life; determine to be an overcomer, transforming the problems into blessings by His grace, not being overcome by life’s challenges. Depending on how we face them, problems either develop or defeat us.

Opportunities always accompany problems; problems always come with opportunities – they are in-separably linked. When experiencing problems, check to see if you have brought them on yourself through sin, unwise choices, wrong actions or a lack of proactive motivation, recognizing the love of self is the cause of most personal problems.  Don’t react in self-pity when things don’t go your way, commit yourself to God and if possible endeavour to bring about the desired change. By taking matters into his own hands through impatience, Abraham fathered Ishmael by Sarah’s maid, not understanding that Sarah was to be the mother of the promised son (Gen 12:2, 13:16, 16:1-4, 17:16).

knowing He is looking for those whose hearts are right before Him so He can work on their behalf (2 Chr 16:9; 1 Pet 2:23). Rather than losing heart, to gain a better perspective, bring God into the equation then the problem won’t be as big when seen from His point of view (Heb 12:3). Jesus promised, “I am with you always” (Mt 28:20; Heb 13:5).  He is walking with us through the problems and wants to be invited to help us. Pray for creative ways to solve them – a pearl is an oyster’s resourceful response to an irritation. Deal with the problems as they arise, don’t allow them to grow in size or number. Our response to problems reveals our character.

Don’t become disappointed, withdrawn or bitter with God when life gets tough and problems occur.  Maintain your faith despite them – remember God has good plans for us and our attitude has an important part to play in the outworking of them (Jer 29:11). Job had a proper attitude to problems – he didn’t blame or question God’s goodness but praised Him in spite of them, as did Paul and Silas (Job 1:21,22, 42:10; Act 16:22-35). God worked on their behalf after they praised Him and prayed for others – both these responses are outward focused, looking beyond the personal situation. Prayer together with praise should be our first response.

Hold onto the vision or call you believe God has spoken to you and even during discouragement affirm He will fulfill His purpose for your long term good as you co-operate with Him for He works out all things in accordance with His will (Ps 138:8; Rom 8:28; Eph 1:11,12; 1 Thes 3:3). Having a right perception (it’s for our good) and right perspective (it’s not such a major threat) will enable us to come through life’s problems victoriously for God uses adversity and problems in our lives to: examine or test what is in our hearts and who is Lord – Christ or self (Jas 1:2-4); discipline and give guidance, "Before I was afflicted I went astray but now I obey your Word" (Ps 119:67); to refine and improve our character (Rom 5:3-5).

If others are the source of problems, maintain a right attitude to those who have caused or are the problem, although aware we may have contributed in some measure for which we are responsible.

This encourages them grow as they think through the various options instead of expecting us to resolve it for them as this creates unhealthy dependency.

Being godly is no exemption from problems but their harmful effect is far less devastating “The fear of the Lord leads to life, then one rests content, untouched by trouble” (Prov 19:23). This is not immunity from difficulty, rather experiencing grace and protection from its eternally destructive ability (Rom 8:35; 1 Pet 3:13). Paul who could speak from experience said, it is through many trials we will enter into heaven. He was appreciative of those who stood with him in the hardships, stating what happened in his life brought about a spiritual blessing (Act 14:22; 2 Cor 6:3-10; Phil 1:12, 4:14).

Problems present a choice – to co-operate and go God’s way motivating us to a greater level of spirituality than we would otherwise attain, or to think we know best and ultimately create a bigger problem.

See also: challenges, character, choice, circumstances, conflict, defeat, discouragement, hassles, not being ministered to, over-comer, perception, perspective, positive mental attitude, resolve/resolution, response, self-pity, solution, test/testing, trials, trouble, wilderness wanderings.