Stepping Stones: Problems: Friend or Enemy?

10 August 2010



Transformational Thought

Easy, problems are definitely our enemy, right? As usual, we are not going to conform to the world’s answer. Instead, even though making friends with your problems sounds so trite, even silly, it's actually the truth and really works! Though many things may feel random and messed up because of all your problems, stop for a moment and remember this. Your God is sovereign over everything...and He can "fit everything into a pattern of good".

God would rather teach us without suffering, heartache, and challenge. That is what He tried in the Garden of Eden. Unfortunately, we do not learn as much as we need to that way. So God has to use other methods to catch our attention, change our focus or path, or show us what is destructive to us. To Disciple us!

Our problems are opportunities to show what we have learned. After I practiced in baseball a lot, I wanted to go against good competition to show how much I learned and how good I was. Same in medical school, as I assessed and worked up a patient and studied the illness, I was excited to present to the attending and let him grill me so I can show my growth as a psychiatrist. A "problem" in life is really that better competition or test we take to show our growth....and show areas we still need to work on.

The best way to befriend your problems is to thank God for His care for you as He gives you an opportunity to show the work you have put in and your resultant growth in Him... or His willingness to show you areas where He wants to grow and equip you. This simple act will open your mind to having God's benefits.... Developing the Mind of Christ and intimate relationship with God...flow from your problems.

Today, look at your problems. If you are thankful and handling them, then you are preparing well...putting on the armor, getting your confidence from God, and letting the Lord lead you into battle. If you are struggling and not thankful for or understanding of your problems, then look at how you are preparing for your “tests” and where you are getting your confidence. Your decision about what is at the center of your heart influencing the lenses you use to view your problems. It’s heart exam time.

Prayer
Dear Father, I am overwhelmed with life’s problems…they are mounting such that I cannot see over them…at times I am almost paralyzed with fear. It’s hard at times, but I want to thank You for these problems. I do not expect You to remove these problems, Lord…but I do pray that You strengthen me though them and that You make good come from these problems. Let each problem teach me something, Lord…transforming me little by little into the masterpiece You have created me to be…drawing me closer to You. I pray in the name of the One who knew no guilt till He bore all mine, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!

The Truth
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28

but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.
1 Corinthians 1:23-24
- - - Navigate Life at: http://www.LighthouseNetwork.org/content

Stepping Stones Devotional

Lighthouse Network's Stepping Stones Community
  • Stepping Stones: Loss Is Your Door to His Stability
    February 10, 2012

    Transformational Thought

    As young children, one thing we learn quickly is the reality of loss. Missing a meal, seeing others whose needs do get met, losing a mother’s attention to a newborn sibling, losing a beloved toy, losing at games, loss through divorce or job relocation. Loss of innocence through abuse or extreme life circumstances.

    Life is filled with many kinds of losses. But despite the cause, one thing is certain: all loss hurts, regardless of its size. We recover quickly from some losses … but others take months or even years to absorb and process. Certain losses are temporary while others are permanent.

    In today's economic environment in which businesses are closing and downsizing, many are facing the loss of their jobs. This kind of loss can be devastating to anyone, but especially to the breadwinner of a family. Even if it is a second job, it may represent a threat to survival, credibility, and stability for our spouse or kids.

    Job loss can produce many emotions, but fear is usually at the root of any uncomfortable response. Will I lose my home? My child is leaving for college this fall—will I have to break the news that it will be impossible? We have built up credit card debt trying to keep our heads above water … what now? Who will respect me? Will our marriage survive this pressure?

    These and many other concerns are very real and can seem extremely threatening. If we keep our eyes on the waves of hardship, we will sink into despair and hopelessness. This is a time when it is difficult … but imperative … to focus on Jesus, not on the problems. This is a time to remember that He, not our job, is our source of value, peace, security, comfort, redemption, and abundance.

    We may go through some real challenges. We may have to tighten our belts and make some sacrifices. These struggles are not easy, but with Jesus we have hope and a powerful peace. Our job may be gone and the economy may be falling apart, but God has not changed. Step back from the hardship and see your life from God’s perspective. It is because of his mercy and loving-kindness that we are not consumed.

    Today, dig into the areas where you struggle or have experienced some recent hardship. What is the fear at the bottom of the issue? Infuse Jesus’ teachings into your fear, let Him bring healing and comfort to your pain. Then re-evaluate your struggle through these new lenses. Remember, great and abundant is His stability and faithfulness in all things. Life is your decision, so choose well.

    Prayer
    My Father and Lord, This economy and my finances have left me feeling angry and fearful. Help me to regroup … to remember that You are here, that You love me and my family, and that You have a plan. Help me remember that this economy and my recent loss have not taken You by surprise … and that You have already made a way for me. Thank You that Your compassion never fails and that Your stability and faithfulness are abundant. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One who provides my stability, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!

    The Truth
    It is because of the Lord's mercy and loving-kindness that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great and abundant is Your stability and faithfulness.
    Lamentations 3:22-23

    The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
    John 10:10
    - - - Navigate Life at: http://www.LighthouseNetwork.org/content