Growing up, I was taught that each of us have our own problems. They come in different ways, sizes and occasions in our lives. I also hear them say that God wouldn’t lead me to a problem I cannot solve. Now that I have a personal relationship with Jesus, I DISAGREE.
THE RIGHT MENTALITY
- In The Eye of the Beholder
In Psychology, I remembered one professor who emphasized that when a close friend or even a loved one says, “I understand”, he or she doesn’t fully so because that person merely sees the problem through his or her eyes. No matter how similar your experiences are, the feelings you have will always be unique to you. While this may be true, often times we personally magnify our problems as it is. In many cases, we need others to bring their more objective perspective into the table and state what our real problem is.
When we encounter a re-occurring problem; a bad grade, a scolding from a superior or parent, we immediately draw from our past experiences and conclude why this happened. “I’m not really good at this subject.”, “Oh my mom? Don’t mind her, she’s always been that way.” we say. Our past experiences dictate how to ’solve’ our problems now which then becomes a cycle of the problem arising and being ignored. We shrug it off and stash it inside our closets. Little that we know, the pile’s getting higher, our hearts are getting calloused and tension’s building up.
- Acknowledge the Problem. Get real and be honest to yourself. We both know, you know this better than anyone. So lay it down the table and face it.
- Define your intention. Don’t let the ugly truth of the problem scare you. Don’t allow its pressures to stress you out. Be wise and plan ahead. Know now what you intend to happen and how you want to tackle this issue. Proverbs 16: 3 “Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.”
- Visualize Your Direction. Our church always reminds us that we may have the best intentions but if we do not move towards the right direction then our intentions are thwarted. Direction determines destination, not intention.
If your recurring problem is lack of self-control leading to overweight, financial burden, impurity and many more, create action plans now! Make schedules! Don’t wait for the feeling that you already need to do so because chances are you already do. You’re just too lazy to admit it.
The Right Behavior
After realizing that problems are part of life; that it is what makes life interesting and colorful; that it could and should stimulate you to achieve better things for God. And you’ve established the right mentality, put it to action.
- Seek Wisdom.
“You can always learn something from anyone you meet”, a humble and wise advice I heed and share with you.
Be determined to seek wisdom in every person, every circumstance, every problem every time.
“Science is organized knowledge. Wisdom is organized life.”-Immanuel Kant
“Those that hurt you, instruct.”-Benjamin Franklin
- Your Response Is Your Responsibility
Now it is up to you how to act upon what you have read. You may choose to share this with someone who might be facing a problem, to regard this as just another reading material or to examine yourself and apply the attitudes posted. Be mindful though of Romans 14: 10,12 “You, then, why do you judge your brother? Or why do you look down on your brother? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat. So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.”
The Right Heart
Have a prayerful heart. As Romans 8: 26 says “… the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.” Before you start doing anything, whatever you’re doing, after you’ve done it, pray. He sees and knows you anyway. Prayer avoids, lightens up and gives you confidence in problems.
In closing, God does not merely lead you to a problem you cannot solve; He takes it and walks you through it.
