What’s the Problem?
What’s the Problem?
The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, and delivers them from all their troubles. (Ps. 34:17)
The Blessing of Problems
An old African proverb says instead of asking God to take away your problems, you should pray for a stronger back. But a lot of men would rather take the first option. We don’t like problems so we try to avoid them. Many of us ask God to clear out the traffic in our lives instead of relying on Him to help us through the roadblocks. After all, life feels good when you’re cruising in the fast lane. But maybe we should change our view on problems. Instead of seeing them as a hindrance, we need to look at them as an opportunity to see God work.
No Problem
Jesus certainly didn’t have any problem with problems. Every one of His miracles began with a problem. Sick, blind, lame—no problem. Out of wine? Not anymore. Dead? Seems like a big problem but not to Jesus. Just ask Lazarus (John 11) or Jairus’ daughter (see Luke 8:40–56). Jesus took problems and turned them into opportunities to display God’s power.
Running from problems or trying to avoid them doesn’t help you grow as a person or become stronger with God. But embracing a problem and conquering it with God’s help brings glory to your heavenly Father.
Bottom Line
Next time you find yourself stuck in a problem, pray that God would deliver you in a way that honors and glorifies Him or would help you persevere in a way that keeps the focus on Him.