What Are Problems?

Definition of Problems

Kept awake at night? Can't sleep? Problems are roadblocks that create emotional conflicts that force us to find a resolution. They can be seemingly overwhelming situations almost beyond our ability to deal with, requiring great effort to bear or overcome. They can be simple or complicated, self inflicted or caused entirely by the actions or attitudes of others.

What should we do when a crisis appears?

1. Learn how to understand or define the situation. What's involved? Who is involved? What are the real, not imagined, issues, and why are they now a roadblock?
   
2. Look for a reasonable way to approach the situation, by gathering accurate information and different strategies or plans to begin to solve these issues one step at a time...
   
3. Using care and patience, begin to implement the plan. If it is obvious that it is the wrong approach, discard, and re-evaluate, and start over.
   
4. Review and reflect what works to end the crisis.
   

How do we usually handle a crisis?

We usually take the matter in our own hands. Our reactions are often limited to our narrow perspective or inexperience in solving issues. Our emotions and feelings do become a factor, often standing in the way of reaching the desired solution.

How did Sarah, Abram's wife handle the problem?

When GOD promised that Abram would have a son, Sarah gave Hagar to Abram to solve the crisis. This is classic. We so often jump into a situation to "help GOD out" - instead of patiently allowing GOD to work out the situation His way... We create and trigger bigger problems trying to solve the situation "our way!" As we look at the situation, we see it as a "problem" needing our fix - GOD sees it as an opportunity to display His amazing ability to do what we can't do!

How did Adam handle his "problem"?

Adam came up with an excuse, a sad explanation of why he disobeyed... Genesis 3.12-13 “Yes,” Adam admitted, “but it was the woman you gave me who brought me some, and I ate it.” 13 Then the Lord God asked the woman, “How could you do such a thing?” “The serpent tricked me,” she replied.

How classic! We blame our failures on others.  Remember, Satan has power ONLY to "tempt" - he does not have the power to make you do anything. That alone is our decision, our choice.  We self-inflict most of our own crisis situations by bad behavior or by listening to Satan-induced lies - information that, if acted on, brings us into conflict with GOD and His principles.

When facing a situation that requires a solution, it is impossible to please GOD if His information [wisdom] has not been accessed and applied.  Result: Another failed solution ushering in deeper trouble.

Hagar runs away from her problem...

The Angel: “Hagar, Sarai’s maid, where have you come from, and where are you going?”

Hagar: “I am running away from my mistress.”  Genesis 16.8

Hagar does what we do - runs away from the person we identify as the cause of our conflicts. It is a huge temptation to run away. Most of us do!

Facing an overwhelming situation, we do this...

Instead of trusting GOD, we so often see and recognize the difficulties and this gets in the way of success

When evaluating a task or challenge, we so often are influenced by what we see. Numbers 13.27-28 "This was their report: “We arrived in the land you sent us to see, and it is indeed a magnificent country—a land ‘flowing with milk and honey.’ Here is some fruit we have brought as proof. [That is the good part.then...] 28 But the people living there are powerful, and their cities are fortified and very large; and what’s more, we saw giants there!

What's the "bottom line?"

Learn and grow. Be a fast learner that GOD's way is always the best way to go, and get things done.

Romans 5.3-4 "We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us—they help us learn to be patient. 4 And patience develops strength of character in us and helps us trust God more each time we use it until finally our hope and faith are strong and steady."

Tough medicine. But we can be stronger in faith, honesty, and freedom from fear.

2 Corinthians 1.8-10 "I think you ought to know, dear brothers, about the hard time we went through in Asia. We were really crushed and overwhelmed, and feared we would never live through it. 9 We felt we were doomed to die and saw how powerless we were to help ourselves; but that was good, for then we put everything into the hands of God, who alone could save us, for he can even raise the dead. 10 And he did help us and saved us from a terrible death; yes, and we expect him to do it again and again.