Problems Are The Solution

(Part 1)

Imagine if your life here on Earth never had any problems. While at first this might sound like a wonderful possibility, take the time to consider further. Would you be able to grow without facing difficulties? And how would you know how much hardship your faith could handle? Would you even want to improve yourself? If Christian brothers and sisters never had to rely on each other, would we share the same close unity? And if you could handle everything independently, how strong would your reliance on God be?

In this life, we need to have problems. This is part of God’s design to perfect us (2 Corinthians 12:9; James 1:2-3; 1 Peter 1:6-7). Sadly, many people today only see the negative. And it’s true that experiencing loss or rejection can be devastating, but our response can still be positive. The problems you face will either work to defeat you or develop you. It all depends on your attitude and reaction. Consider how problems are the solution to many of our issues.

We often have the issue of getting distracted. Whether it comes from a sermon going beyond the 30-minute mark or a calendar becoming loaded full of obligations, we all get distracted. Problems are the solution to staying focused. There is nothing like a problem to give us perspective and direction. It wakes us up and calls us back from so much frivolity. For instance, we may love our smartphone too much and neglect our family. But when the house is on fire, we know what to do. We prioritize differently (more properly) when facing a crisis. Discovering a problem, even being hurt by one, can be just the thing to get our spiritual focus back. The Bible records how various hurts and chastening can be hugely beneficial in the long run (Proverbs 20:30; Hebrews 12:11).

We also sometimes have issues with pride. Even if you would never be considered a boastful person, you can still be prideful in your thoughts. God’s Word teaches us not to think of ourselves more highly than we ought to think (Romans 12:3). Problems are the solution to staying humble. Like a tea bag, getting into hot water will show what we’re made of – and sometimes we aren’t as strong as we thought. That was certainly the case for Naaman. He had fame, wealth, power, and the best political connections. He also had the problem of leprosy (2 Kings 5:1). The Syrian commander could no longer rely on his own ability. None of his earthly advantages could even begin to address this issue. Only by submitting to the command of God was Naaman healed (2 Kings 5:13-15). Similarly, none of our efforts or advantages can cleanse our sins. We are powerless to remove our guilt. A closer walk with God requires the acknowledgement, “I am weak but Thou art strong.”

(Part 2)

We have been considering how to respond to problems. Unfortunately, most people fail to see how God wants to use problems for good in their lives. God knows how to strengthen and perfect us. We certainly don’t always enjoy having and facing problems. However, I think we can all look back and appreciate a time when we overcame or learned from a difficult circumstance. We need to be challenged in order to grow. Consider some additional ways problems are the solution.

We may have the issue of leaving work incomplete, putting the hand to the plow and looking back (Luke 9:62). The fact that there is still work to be done should motivate the church to continue. Problems are the solution to staying active. We cannot rest on our laurels while so many are outside the body of Christ. The fields are ready to be harvested by Christian laborers (John 4:35). Every Christian should realize there can be no retirement in spiritual work. Followers of God are required to have endurance and perseverance (Hebrews 12:1; Philippians 3:12). Age must not be used as an excuse. Even the most physically weak can be spiritual giants. We must all fight the good fight, finish the race, and keep the faith (2 Timothy 4:7-8). This cannot be accomplished with half-hearted effort.

We could also be in a situation where a problem today is preparing us for a problem in the future. Sin and danger often have a way of snowballing. Problems are the solution to staying protected and prepared. This is similar to what Joseph faced. His being sold into slavery protected his family from famine. His brothers meant to do evil and harm to Joseph, but God meant it for good (Genesis 50:20). When tragedy strikes us, we don’t often think of how we’re being empowered by experience. When you go through problems you are uniquely equipped to help others who will later face similar issues (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). I have personally seen this comforting unity on display. Many times, it comes in reaction to something like breast cancer. It is a beautiful scene to watch when a Christian woman is embraced by her sisters in Christ, each of them offering their support and telling how they have survived the same disease.

As you strive to serve God, please don’t grow discouraged. We all face problems, some worse than others. Keep your spiritual perspective. Don’t fail to see the opportunities presented to you. A positive mindset will be proactive, seeking the silver lining and all the good that can come from hardship. In this we are not alone. We are blessed with a loving church family. And God Himself is our constant strength and faithful helper (Psalm 46:1-3; 1 Corinthians 10:13). Let problems be your solution to stay focused, humble, active, and prepared.