Are You Problem or Solution Focused?

Bob and Terry Andrews are facebook friends of mine. But more importantly they’ve been friends in real life for over 50 years. They are successful entrepreneurs, faithful Christians, and some of the most positive people I know.

Bob regularly posts Bible verses, encouraging quotes, and thought-provoking memes on facebook that challenge us to improve our lives.

The other day Bob posted  this graphic which sparked the basis for today’s blog post.

Bob captioned the post with two words–“Everyone Chooses!”

Problems

Norman Vincent Peale used to tell a story about a man named George who came to him exasperated by his problems. He was at wits end. Peale told the him that he knew a place where people don’t have any problems. Quickly, George wanted to see that place.

Peale said, “I’ll take you there tomorrow.”

“Where are we going?” asked George.

“We’re going to Woodlawn Cemetery,” Peale responded with a straight face, “because the only people I know who don’t have any problems are dead.”

We all have problems. None of us are exempt from life’s challenges.

The Bible describes our problems as trials (Jas. 1:2), trouble (14:1), sorrow, vexation, or grief (Eccl. 2:23), as well as anxiety (Phil 4:6), suffering (Jas.5:13), and temptation (Jas. 1:12).

Living a good life, becoming a Christian, or engaging in spiritual activities, does not eliminate life’s problems.

Solutions

There’s always a solution to every problem. Too often, we become so focused on the problem that we fail to see the solution. Author and columnist Joyce Hifler advised, “Thrashing around in your mind does about as much good as trying to empty an ocean with a paper cup. Quiet your minds and solutions will come.”

When we face trials, temptations and problems, Jesus warns us not to worry, but to face life one day at a time (Matt. 6:25-34). He teaches us to trust in God to provide for our needs.

The apostle Paul reminds us the antidote to anxiety about our problems is prayer.

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus (Phil. 4:6-7).

Solutions come when we are moved by faith to take action (Jas. 2:14-26). In his book “An Enemy Called Average,” John Mason, wrote that “obstacles are what we see when we take our eyes off the goal.” This is true in sports, education, business, and in our pursuit of greater spirituality and a deeper communion with God.

Furthermore, the solution may be a change of attitude toward the problem. Paul suffered a painful “thorn in the flesh.” He prayed three times for the Lord to remove it. Yet, the Lord’s answer was “My grace is sufficient for you.” So, instead of complaining about the thorn, Paul used it to make him stronger (2 Cor. 12:7-10).

Choices

“The greatest power a person possesses is his power to choose,” wrote Psychologist and author, Dr. J. Martin Kohe

“Destiny is not a matter of chance,” observed William Jennings Bryant, “it is a matter of choice. It is not a thing to be waited for, it is a thing to be achieved.” Paul J. Meyer summarized it succiently, “You are the sum of all your choices.”

We can choose to be overwhelmed and consumed by our problems, or we can choose to seek solutions, see something positive, and move forward.

Author Napoleon Hill was right when he wrote, “Every adversity, every failure, every heartache carries with it the seed of an equal or greater benefit.” However, we must seek and see the benefit. If we have the right attitude, solving problems will always help us grow stronger.

One of the best choices we can make as we work our way through challenges and explore solutions is to be patient. There may be no one else in history who endured more problems than ancient Job. Yet, he did not give up his faith in Jehovah, or give in to despair. The Bible lauds him as an example to us of patience and perseverance through all of his suffering (Jas. 4:10-11). In the end, God richly blessed and rewarded Job.

Finally, choose to trust God regardless of the problems you face. The Bible offers us this promise. “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted, he rescues those who are crushed in spirit” (Ps. 34:18).

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman