Let’s begin with a question today, how many people ask for problems or difficulties when they pray to God? I believe it’s rhetorical because it is certain that no one wants more chaos in the world than we already have. Every day on the news, we read about many complex problems that require very intelligent solutions and it’s clear we all prefer easier and more prosperous times.
However, the truth remains that we do not need to pray for society to descend into a state of anarchy for problems to occur. Whilst some problems are bigger than others, many would agree that having some are simply just part of life. I once heard an elderly man say that a person without problems is dead.
This doesn’t mean that having problems validates life. I believe the man’s quote means the complex nature of the human mind makes problems unique to an individual. A poor man’s problem may be how to pay his rent but the rich man may be having issues with the time to collect the rent from tenants in his properties. Different levels, different problems. It’s bespoke.
When a crisis hits, we must be careful to recognize that we have total control over how we react to it. Too often we react emotionally and tend to blow things way out of proportion. We complain. We get discouraged. But what if a change in perspective could show us that problems should be embraced instead of feared?
In a world where instant gratification and quick fixes are worshipped, it is no surprise that many want to be free of the pressure caused by problems and conflicts. Many of us fail to see that God often uses the pressure from our problems to lead us to spiritual maturity. We need to learn to see life from God’s perspective and ask ourselves, what benefits are possible? Dutch football legend Johan Cruijff once said: “Every setback has its advantages.” By focusing on the upsides of your situation, you set yourself up to discover new possibilities.
Experiencing problems that we cannot solve, especially when others know about them, can be very humbling. However, God uses these experiences to break our pride and give us more grace. I believe God intentionally made men with weaknesses so that we’ll all see the need for His counsel and power. Only God can make us strong by His powerful grace. It is in our weakness that God will demonstrate His power.
When conflict arises, we should be motivated under the guidance of the Holy Spirit to judge our motives, actions, words, and the attitudes of our hearts. As we turn to the Lord for wisdom and help with our problems, He will guide us with new insights into Scripture. “Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you. I will make known my words unto you” – Proverbs 1:23.
We can all learn from King David who knew that his problems were a result of his own sin, yet he was able to say, “It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes” (Psalm 119:71). The problems we see today are here to make us become better versions of ourselves.
What have you learned in all the problems you’ve encountered?
Ogo Adelakun writes on diverse subjects.
